Renters’ Rights Act 2025: Key Dates for Landlords and Agents

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces significant reforms to the private rental sector, with the first major changes coming into effect on 1 May 2026. This article outlines the key dates landlords and letting agents need to be aware of to ensure compliance and adapt their practices accordingly.

Overview of Initial Changes from May 2026

From 1 May 2026, the private rental sector will undergo fundamental changes. Fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will be replaced by Assured Periodic Tenancies, eliminating the use of fixed terms. Landlords will be required to provide tenants with a written tenancy agreement before the tenancy begins. Rent increases will be restricted to once per year and must be served with a Section 13 notice. Importantly, no new Section 21 “no-fault” eviction notices will be permitted after 30 April 2026.

Additionally, landlords will no longer be able to demand rent before signing an assured periodic tenancy, nor request more than one month’s rent at a time once the agreement is signed. The Government will also ban “rental bidding wars” by requiring rental adverts to display a fixed price and prohibiting landlords from accepting offers above that price. New rules will protect tenants from discrimination based on having children or receiving benefits.

Key Dates and Deadlines

27 December 2025 – Local Council Enforcement Powers Begin

Local councils will gain enhanced investigatory and enforcement powers to ensure landlords comply with safety and legal standards. Landlords should review their properties to avoid penalties.

January 2026 – Tenancy Agreement Wording Confirmed

The government will confirm the exact wording required for tenancy agreements under the Act. Landlords must update their agreements to reflect the abolition of fixed-term ASTs, the end of Section 21 notices, and other tenancy obligations.

March 2026 – Tenant Information Sheet Published

An official information sheet explaining the upcoming changes will be published. Landlords will be required to provide this to all existing tenants to ensure they understand their new rights.

April 2026 – Guidance for Tenants Issued

The government will issue guidance to help tenants understand their rights and responsibilities under the new legislation.

30 April 2026 – Last Day to Serve Section 21 Notices

This is a critical deadline. After this date, landlords will no longer be able to issue Section 21 “no-fault” eviction notices, requiring a revision of eviction strategies.

1 May 2026 – First Phase of the Renters’ Rights Act Takes Effect

• Abolition of Section 21 eviction notices
• End of fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies
• Requirement for all tenancy agreements and procedures to comply with the new rules

Spring/Summer 2026 – Financial Penalties for Category 1 Hazards

Following updated guidance, landlords will face financial penalties for Category 1 hazards in rental properties. Ensuring property safety and compliance will be more important than ever.

31 May 2026 – Deadline for Tenant Information Leaflet and Student Tenant Notification

By this date, landlords must have served the tenant information leaflet to existing tenants and notified student tenants if the new Ground 4A eviction ground may apply.

31 July 2026 – Final Date for Section 21 Court Applications

Any court applications based on Section 21 notices must be submitted by this date. After 31 July 2026, all Section 21 notices will be invalid.

Late 2026 – Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database Launch

The PRS database will go live, requiring landlords to register themselves, their properties, and provide compliance information. The rollout will be phased by region.

2027 – Reforms Extend to Social Rented Sector

The Renters’ Rights Act reforms will be introduced to the social rented sector, ensuring consistent standards across all tenancies.

April/May 2027 – Courts Digitisation Completion

The government aims to complete end-to-end digitisation of courts, streamlining dispute resolution processes for landlords and tenants.

2028 – Mandatory PRS Landlord Ombudsman Registration

Landlords will be required to sign up to the PRS Landlord Ombudsman, introducing new accountability and dispute resolution procedures.

May 2028 and May 2031 – Government Evaluations of the Act

The government will publish an initial evaluation of the Renters’ Rights Act in May 2028, followed by a second evaluation in May 2031. These reports will assess the impact and effectiveness of the reforms.

Practical Steps for Landlords and Letting Agents

• Update tenancy agreements to comply with the new requirements before May 2026.
• Serve tenant information leaflets to existing tenants by the specified deadlines.
• Review property safety and compliance to avoid financial penalties related to Category 1 hazards.
• Prepare for registration on the PRS database and mandatory sign-up to the Landlord Ombudsman.
• Revise eviction strategies to exclude Section 21 “no-fault” notices.

Conclusion

Understanding and adhering to these key dates is essential for landlords and letting agents to remain compliant, avoid penalties, and maintain transparency with tenants. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents a significant change in UK rental law, making early preparation vital for all property professionals.