Renters’ Rights Act 2025: Key Dates
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will be rolled out in stages, with the first major changes taking effect from 1 May 2026. From that date, the private rental sector will see several fundamental shifts:
- Fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will be abolished, replaced with Assured Periodic Tenancies.
- Tenants must receive a written tenancy agreement before the tenancy begins.
- Rent increases will be limited to once per year, only after serving a Section 13 notice.
- No new Section 21 “no-fault” eviction notices can be served.
- For new tenancies, rent cannot be taken before signing an assured periodic tenancy, and landlords may not demand more than one month’s rent at a time once the agreement is signed.
- The Government will ban “rental bidding wars”, requiring rental adverts to display a set price and prohibiting landlords from accepting offers above that price.
- New rules will prevent discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits.
But these are just the first changes. The Government has also published a comprehensive timeline of key dates for the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, which every landlord and letting agent should be aware of.
December 27th 2025 – Local Council Enforcement Powers Come Into Force
From this date, local councils will gain new investigatory and enforcement powers. Landlords must ensure properties comply with safety and legal standards to avoid penalties.
January 2026 – Wording for Tenancy Agreements Confirmed
The exact tenancy agreement wording required under the Act will be confirmed. Landlords must update agreements to reflect changes to fixed-term tenancies, Section 21 notices, and other tenancy obligations.
March 2026 – Tenant Information Sheet Published
An information sheet for tenants explaining the upcoming changes will be published. Landlords will be required to provide this to all existing tenants, ensuring they are aware of their new rights.
April 2026 – Guidance for Tenants Issued
The government will issue guidance for tenants, outlining what the changes mean for them and helping tenants understand their rights and responsibilities under the Act.
April 30th, 2026 – Last Day to Serve a Section 21 Notice
This is a critical deadline. After April 30th, landlords can no longer issue Section 21 “no-fault” eviction notices, so all eviction strategies must be revised.
May 1st, 2026 – First Phase of the Renters’ Rights Act Begins
The first phase of the RRA comes into effect, including:
- Abolition of Section 21
- End of fixed-term ASTs
- Landlords and letting agents must ensure all tenancy agreements and procedures comply with these changes.
Spring/Summer 2026 – Financial Penalties for Category 1 Hazards
Following updated guidance, financial penalties for Category 1 hazards in rental properties will be enforceable. Ensuring safety and compliance is more important than ever.
May 31st, 2026 – Deadline for Tenant Information Leaflet & Student Tenants Notification
By this date, landlords must:
- Serve the information leaflet to existing tenants
- Notify student tenants if the new Ground 4A may be applied
July 31st, 2026 – Last Day for Section 21 Court Applications
Any applications to court under Section 21 must be submitted by this date. After this, all Section 21 notices will be invalid.
Late 2026 – PRS Database Goes Live
The Private Rented Sector (PRS) database will launch, requiring landlords to:
- Register themselves
- Register property details
- Provide compliance information
The rollout will be phased regionally.
2027 – RRA Reforms Introduced to the Social Rented Sector
The reforms will extend to the social rented sector, ensuring wider compliance across all tenancies.
April/May 2027 – Courts Digitisation Deadline
The government expects end-to-end digitisation of courts to be completed, streamlining the process for landlords and tenants in disputes.
2028 – Mandatory PRS Landlord Ombudsman Sign-Up
Landlords will be required to sign up to the PRS Landlord Ombudsman, introducing new accountability and dispute resolution procedures.
May 2028 – First Government Evaluation of the RRA
An initial evaluation of the Renters’ Rights Act will be published, helping landlords and stakeholders understand its impact on the sector.
May 2031 – Second Evaluation of the RRA
At the five-year mark, a second evaluation will be published, providing insights on the effectiveness and impact of the Act over time.
Key Takeaways for Landlords and Letting Agents
- Update tenancy agreements before May 2026
- Serve tenant information leaflets before the deadlines
- Review property safety and compliance to avoid financial penalties
- Prepare for PRS database registration and mandatory Ombudsman sign-up
- Plan eviction strategies without relying on Section 21
Stay Ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act
Understanding these key dates ensures landlords and letting agents remain compliant, avoid fines, and provide transparency to tenants. The Renters’ Rights Act represents a major shift in UK rental law — early preparation is essential.
If you require legal advice or a compliance relating to these changes, contact our legal team here.
