A guide for student renters can be found HERE
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 - timetable for Implementation
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces sweeping changes for Renters in the UK. The measures in the Act will be introduced in three phases.
From 1 May 2026: Phase 1
- abolish section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
- introduce Assured Periodic Tenancies in the private rented sector (PRS)
- reform possession grounds in the PRS so they are fair for both parties
- limit rent increases to once a year in the PRS
- ban rental bidding and rent in advance
- make it illegal to discriminate against renters who have children or receive benefits
- require landlords in the PRS to consider tenant requests to rent with a pet
- strengthen both local council enforcement and rent repayment orders
From late 2026: Phase 2
The Government will commence roll out of the Database from late 2026. We will also establish the PRS Landlord Ombudsman during Phase 2. Implementation of the Ombudsman will happen after the introduction of the Database, and will happen in stages. Stage 1 will happen at least 12-18 months before implementation. The Secretary of State will choose a scheme administrator to run the new service, which will then need time to scale up. Stage 2 will require landlords to be members of the new service, with the expectation this will happen in 2028, when the Secretary of State is confident the service is ready for delivery.
From 2030 onwards: Phase 3
- The introduction of a Decent Homes Standard (DHS) to the PRS from either 2035 or 2037.
- Requirement for all domestic privately rented properties in England and Wales to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) of EPC C or equivalent by 2030 unless a valid exemption is in place.
- Extension of Awaab’s Law to the PRS (TBC)
Key Dates leading up to implementation:
- January 2026 – The Government published a list of information that needs to be included in tenancy agreements as a draft Statutory Instrument
- March 2026 – Publication of leaflet for existing tenants will be made available for landlords to share.
- 30 April 2026 – The last day a landlord can serve a Section 21 notice
- 1 May – enactment date
- 31 May – Deadline for serving information to existing and future tenants who have an agreement.
- 31 July – Last date to apply to court for an older possession notice
Useful Resources:
Government Explainer: Everything you need to know
NRLA - Renters Rights Act 2025 - Landlord Advice
Renters' Rights Act Guide for students