When Does The Renters Rights Act Come Into Play?

The majority of the Renters’ Right Act regulations will come into play from 1 May 2026, though it was first received back in October 2023.

From May 2026, landlords will have to make various changes when it comes to their tenancies, including adherence to stricter safety standards, different eviction procedures and more flexible contracts.

We know that as a landlord it can be difficult to keep up with changing legislation. At J Property Management London, we’re here to help you through it. Whether you need help with legal compliance, property upkeep or improving tenant sourcing practices, we tailor our property management services to suit your needs as a landlord.

Contact us today to see how we can help! 

 

The Renters Rights’ Act: Key Dates

 

30th April 2026

This date will be the last that landlords can serve a valid Section 21 notice (a “no-fault” eviction notice where landlords can regain possession of the property from tenants without needing to provide a valid reason). After this date, they will no longer be able to carry out no-fault evictions; all evictions will need a valid reason and evidence.

 

1st May 2026

The majority of the changes outlined by the Renters’ Rights Act will come into play. These changes include a ban on no-fault evictions, all tenancies to become periodic, limitations of rent increases and stricter rules regarding tenant discrimination.

 

31 May 2026

Before the 31st May 2026, landlords will have to have sent the government Information Sheet and written statement of terms to all existing tenants. This includes all landlords who previously had verbal tenancy agreements with tenants – all agreements must be put in writing. If not, landlords may face a civil penalty.

 

Spring/Summer 2026

The official date is not yet stated but sometime in spring or summer of 2026, new financial penalties will be introduced for Category 1 Hazards. Best practice for landlords would be getting ahead of property maintenance before spring to avoid any financial consequences. 

If you need a hand with property inspections, scheduling maintenance and repairs or knowing what responsibilities you have as a landlord, contact our team today – we’re happy to provide expert guidance and help you get your property back on track. 

 

Late 2026

From late 2026, the Private Rented Sector (PRS) database will become mandatory for landlords. This is a centralised portal where landlords might digitally register their properties. By the end of 2026, landlords must have active entries for each of their properties. 

The database is designed to improve standards in the private rental sector and is a chance for landlords to demonstrate compliance and credibility. Though it is expected to come into play in late 2026, further roll out (including mandatory landlord registration) is likely to take place in 2027 or 2028.

 

2027

From 2028, all private landlords will be required to join the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Landlord Ombudsman – a new system for investigating and resolving tenant complaints. Failure to join could lead to fines or restrictions on letting properties.

 

2035

The Decent Homes Standard will be introduced for the private rental sector in 2025, with landlords having to adhere to stricter protocol when it comes to safe and habitable living conditions. Although this date is still far in the future, landlords should start taking action now to make their homes safer and more hygienic.

As part of this, and potentially before 2035, Awaab’s Law (a landlord’s obligation to remedy hazards within specific timeframes) will be extended to the private rental sector as well as just the public sector.

 

What Changes Will Take Place When The Renters’ Rights Act Comes Into Play?

 

Landlords need to be aware of the various changes taking place once the Renters’ Rights Act comes into play, including: 

• No bidding wars – landlords must stick to the rent price advertised and not encourage higher bids from prospective tenants
• Move all contracts to ‘periodic’ – all fixed-term contrast will need to be moved to rolling, period contracts (monthly or weekly), with no fixed end date
• Rent increase limits – landlords are limited to one rent increase per year and renters are encouraged to negotiate or refuse unfair price hikes
• End to ‘no-fault’ evictions – tenant evictions will need a valid reason and evidence to support it
• One month deposit – landlords will only be able to ask for a maximum of one month’s rent upfront; no more.
• No tenant discrimination – discriminating against tenants with pets, children or being on benefits will be illegal. 

 

What Can Landlords Do Before The Renters’ Rights Act Comes Into Play?

 

Review Tenancy Agreements

Review existing tenancy agreements and change them to remove any mention of fixed terms. Also, draft new tenancy agreements based on the changing legislation and ensure that they are periodic rather than fixed. 

At J Property Management, we help you write watertight tenancy agreements that protect the interests of both the landlord and tenant and avoid any tenancy disputes.

 

Update Tenant Marketing

With the government clamping down on tenant discrimination, marketing will need to be done very carefully with no room for misunderstandings.

Working with a professional property management company like J Property Management will make sure your property is advertised legally, free from discrimination while still maximising visibility and chances of success.

Contact us today to see how we could help.

 

Schedule Property Inspections

With stricter health and safety rules coming into play, now’s a great time to get ahead of your property maintenance. Schedule an inspection as soon as possible and make sure to carry out any maintenance and repairs as early as possible – such as fixing holes or cleaning the gutters. 

We help landlords stay on top of their property maintenance all year round to keep homes safe and avoid catching any issues too late. Talk to our team today to get started. 

 

Stay Ahead Of The Renters’ Rights Act With J Property Management

 

At J Property Management, we help London landlords understand their responsibilities and stay on top of them. 

From lending a helping hand for certain tasks to managing full property management for total peace of mind, our property management solutions are always suited to your specific needs.

If you’re looking to better understand what the Renters’ Rights Act means for you and how you can start preparing, we can help. Contact us today for personalised property management solutions.