Renters Rights’ Act… Implementation Timeline 

Timeline – what happens and when

Change is being introduced in phases, giving landlords time to prepare — but the key dates matter.

Phase 1 – From 27 December 2025

Local authorities have enhanced inspection and enforcement powers.

In practical terms, compliance standards tighten and scrutiny increases. Ensuring documentation, safety certificates and property condition are fully up to date is essential.

Phase 2 – From 1 May 2026

This is the major structural shift for the private rented sector.

From this date:

• Section 21 notices are abolished
• Section 8 grounds are strengthened and expanded
• Fixed-term tenancies convert to periodic tenancies
• Notice periods change
• New statutory rent increase rules apply
• Rental bidding is banned
• Government-prescribed tenancy wording is introduced
• Rent in advance is restricted
• New non-discrimination provisions take effect
• Pet permission rules change

These reforms apply to both new and existing tenancies.

Phase 3 – Late 2026 (dates to be confirmed)

The Private Rented Sector Database will launch and the PRS Landlord Ombudsman scheme will be introduced.

Registration will become mandatory before a property can be marketed. Implementation will be staged, with exact dates still to be confirmed by government.

Phase 4 – 2035–2037

Longer-term reforms come into force:

• Awaab’s Law extends fully to the private rented sector
• The Decent Homes Standard becomes embedded within the PRS

These changes focus on property condition, safety standards and response times to serious hazards.

The key message is simple: this is not a last-minute change. The transition period is now.

We are already working with our landlords to review documentation, processes and pricing strategies so that when the enforcement dates arrive, everything is in place – calmly, compliantly and confidently.