A landlord's guide - renters' rights

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is the biggest change to the private rented sector (PRS) in 30 years, requiring much adjustment for all those involved in the sector. Earlier in 2025, the council produced a 'landlord's guide to compliance in preparation for the Renters Right Bill'. Now The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has received royal ascent, the government has produced a current guide to the renters’ rights act (GOV.UK) that we would advise you to consult.

As an immediate instruction the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 (GOV.UK) must be given to every single private tenant in the country (by their landlord) by 31 May 2026. Any landlord that doesn’t do this faces a £7,000 fine

This must be provided to tenants by either:

• Printing a hard copy, which is posted or given to the tenants by hand
• Sending the PDF electronically as an attachment, for example, to an email or text message

Landlords must not email or text a link to the PDF to the tenant, as this will not be valid.

This cannot be given to tenants where there is only a verbal agreement in place. In those instances, landlords must provide certain written information about key terms of the tenancy instead. You can find out more about this by visiting tenancy agreements: written information for your tenant (GOV.UK).

Below is a summary of the key dates and changes that are being introduced as part of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025:

Phase one: starting 1 May 2026

• Abolition of section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions (does not apply to social rented sector until phase two)
• Introduction of assured periodic tenancies in the private rented sector (PRS)
• Reform of possession grounds in the PRS so they are fair for both parties
• Limiting rent rises to only once per year via a section 13 notice
• Ban rental bidding
• It will be illegal to discriminate against renters with children or who are on benefits
• Landlords must fairly consider requests for tenants to have a pet
• Strengthening of council enforcement powers and rent repayment orders

Phase two: from late 2026

• Introduction of the PRS landlord database (this will be a rolling regional introduction)
• Introduction of PRS ombudsman:
  • Development of the ombudsman will happen in two stages:
    • Stage one:12 to 18 months before implementation. Selection of scheme administrator and scale uptime
    • Stage two: requirement for landlords to become members of the scheme likely to be by 2028

Phase three: dates TBC

• Introduce a Decent Homes Standard (DHS) to the PRS following consultation
• Increase the minimum energy efficiency standard to EPC of C by 2030
• Introduce the new Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
• Extend Awaab's Law to PRS (clear set timeframes for landlords to resolve hazards)

Last updated: 30/03/2026 16:03