The Renters' Rights Act was passed by Parliament in October 2025. It brings significant changes to the private rented sector.
The Government have announced that the first phase (part 1 of the Act) relating to tenancy reform will come into force on 1 May 2026. The rest of the Act will follow in 2 further stages.
A full guide to the Act can be found on GOV.UK.
What these changes mean
Councils will have greater powers to investigate landlords and enforce compliance.
Higher fines and penalties will be introduced for breaches of rental laws.
Landlords
As a landlord, understanding these changes now will help you:
- prepare for a smooth transition
- avoid penalties
- maintain strong tenant relationships
You should:
- stay up to date with changes on GOV.UK
- review your property portfolio and identify areas needing upgrades or compliance adjustments
- be ready to update your tenancy agreements in line with the new requirements
- carry out regular property inspections to ensure ongoing compliance
- develop a clear record-keeping system to track compliance and avoid penalties
- engage with professional landlord associations to stay informed and receive guidance
Tenants (Private Rented Sector)
The government will publish guidance for tenants in April 2026.