The Renters’ Rights Act is one of the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in recent years, but a number of the measures in the Act have not yet been implemented.
Following royal assent on 27 October 2025, the government announced on 13 November 2025 that the bulk of the Act would start to come into effect from 1 May 2026.
Below is an overview of the key stages in the implementation timeline and what this means for landlords going forward.
Already in force
- New local council enforcement measures and investigatory powers are now in force from 27 December 2025. Local authorities now need to report to the Secretary of State on the exercise of their functions under landlord legislation.
- Details of what landlords and/or letting agents need to include in the new written statement of terms was published on 19 January 2026. The government published a draft statutory instrument with guidance, that will need to be issued for all new “assured periodic tenancies” from 1 May 2026.
March 2026
- Publication of the information sheet that will need to be given to all existing tenants to inform them of the changes. There will be a penalty of up to £7,000 if landlords do not comply with this.
30 April 2026
- This is the last date that a valid Section 21 notice can be served.
- It is also the last date landlords can benefit from any of the transitional rules i.e., charging rent in advance.
1 May 2026 – Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act
This is the date that the majority of the provisions will come into effect. Some of the major changes include:
- Abolition of Section 21 notices;
- Revised grounds for possession under Section 8;
- All ASTs will become Assured Periodic Tenancies;
- All rent increases will require a Section 13 notice;
- No rent in advance for new tenancies;
- New rules on rent including the requirement for landlords to state a specific “proposed rent” for new tenancies, and a ban on rental bidding; and
- Implied right for tenants to have a pet.
Spring/summer 2026
- Financial penalties for Category 1 hazards will come into effect.
31 May 2026
- Deadline for serving the information leaflet to existing tenants.
- Deadline for landlords of HMOs with full time students to notify tenants that they may use the new ground 4a.
31 July 2026
- Deadline for applications to court for possession under Section 21. If landlords have not requested that the court issue the claim by this date, any Section 21 notices that were previously served will be invalid.
From late 2026
- The new PRS database will be launched which will require landlords to register themselves and each of their rental properties.
2027
- Renters’ Rights Act reforms will be introduced to the social rented sector.
2028
- Launch of the PRS Landlord Ombudsman redress scheme which landlords will be required to join in 2028.
May 2031
- Government will publish a second evaluation of the Renters’ Rights Act at the 5-year mark.
If you need advice on how these changes will affect you, contact us on 0161 696 6170 and our team will be happy to help.
Comments