In force from 1 May 2026
Assured periodic tenancies, Section 21 abolition and the revised possession, rent, pets and rental-bidding rules.
Renters’ Rights Act 2025
What England landlords need to do now
The first major tenancy reforms took effect on 1 May 2026. Separate what applies now from the database, ombudsman and property-standard measures being implemented later.
Evidence that matters
Keep written terms, Information Sheet service and other supported tenancy records against the right property and tenancy.
Later phases separated
Do not treat the PRS Database, Ombudsman, Decent Homes Standard or private-sector Awaab’s Law as already universal.
Property-level actions
RentSure turns supported reforms into dated tasks, evidence requirements and email and in-app reminders.
The reforms already in force
- Most new and existing assured private tenancies moved to the assured periodic tenancy framework on 1 May 2026.
- Section 21 no-fault eviction was abolished for the affected private rented sector.
- Landlords must use the applicable possession ground and follow the required notice and court process.
- Rent increases generally follow the statutory annual process, while rental bidding above the advertised rent is prohibited.
- A tenant’s written pet request must be considered within the applicable 28-day period and cannot be unreasonably refused.
Records and information to keep
- A written statement of tenancy terms and any information required for the assured periodic tenancy.
- Evidence that the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet was provided where required.
- Prior notices needed before relying on a possession ground that requires them.
- Records of rent increases, pet requests and responses, and other tenancy communications relevant to the Act.
- Existing deposit, gas, electrical, energy, licensing and other compliance evidence that continues alongside the tenancy reforms.
Measures being implemented later
- The Private Rented Sector Database is being introduced as a separate later phase, with rollout and registration requirements set by commencement arrangements.
- The Landlord Ombudsman is also a later implementation phase rather than a service every landlord can already join.
- The Decent Homes Standard and extension of Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector depend on later implementation and detailed regulations.
- RentSure labels future measures separately and updates the rules engine when the legal requirement and commencement date are confirmed.
How RentSure supports the transition
- Identify the supported Renters’ Rights Act requirements relevant to the property and tenancy.
- Create a tenancy-document checklist and record what was served, to whom and when.
- Show missing, expiring and overdue actions alongside the property’s wider compliance position.
- Send email and in-app reminders and preserve the delivery history.
The Act is phased, not a single launch event
This page distinguishes commenced requirements from later reforms. It provides general product and compliance information, not legal advice on a possession case or individual tenancy.
Turn the guidance into a property-specific plan
Add your property and RentSure will identify the supported requirements that apply, organise the evidence and schedule email and in-app reminders.
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