Renters' Rights Act 2025 Timeline - SPH Property Sourcing

Implementation Roadmap

Having received royal assent, the implementation roadmap for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has been published. For landlords, understanding the key dates is critical for compliance and strategic planning.

Phase 1: New Tenancy Regime

27^th December 2025
Local Councils receive new powers to investigate business premises and request documentation. They can also enter residential premises without a warrant in cases of unlawful eviction or harassment.

January 2026
The government will publish the wording of information that must be contained in tenancy agreements.

March 2026
The government will publish an information sheet for existing tenants.

1^st May 2026
▹ Abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions.
▸ Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) convert to rolling Assured Periodic Tenancies.
▹ Rent increases are limited to once per year. Landlords must give two months' notice using Section 13.
▸ Landlords cannot take rent prior to the signing of the tenancy contract.
▹ Rent that is required in advance is capped at one month.
▸ Landlords must consider tenants’ requests for pets. They can only reject them with valid grounds.
▹ Rent must be clearly stated on adverts. Landlords are banned from encouraging bidding wars or accepting more money.
▸ Landlords cannot discriminate against potential tenants on the grounds of them receiving benefits or having children. Although landlords still have the final decision on a tenant's suitability, which should be based on affordability, references, etc.

31^st May 2026
Deadline for landlords with existing tenancies to provide their tenants with the information sheet explaining the changes.

31^st July 2026
The very last day a landlord can launch court proceedings based on a valid Section 21 notice served before 1^st May 2026.

Phase 2: Regulation and Redress

Late 2026 (Expected)
Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database: Landlords will be legally required to register themselves and their properties. This will include provision of safety certificates and contact details. The new PRS database system will be rolled out in phases on a regional basis.

By 2028 (Expected)
Ombudsman Membership: A new independent body will be set up to handle tenant-landlord disputes. The government intends for this to happen as soon as possible. Landlords will be given notice of the date by which they will be required to sign up to it. Membership is mandatory for all landlords.

Phase 3: Raising Quality Standards

2035 or 2037 (Expected)
Introduction of the Decent Homes Standard: The quality standard currently applied to social housing will extend to the private rental sector, as will Awaab’s Law. Penalties will be issued for properties failing to meet this standard.

Final Thoughts

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 roadmap provides a path towards a more defined and professional future for the rental sector. Landlords should see this as an invitation to build a high-quality, more sustainable business model, rather than a series of deadlines. By proactively engaging with Phase 1 changes and planning for Phase 3 quality standards, you are securing your investment.