Renters Rights Act - Implementation Dates

After years of debate, the long-anticipated changes to the Private Rented Sector are finally coming, and we now know when.

It was in May 2022 when the then-Conservative Government announced the Renters Reform Bill. However, the Bill failed to progress before the 2024 General Election. After winning that election the Labour Party introduced its own version of these reforms with the Renters Rights Bill, which, after many delays, was eventually given Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, thereby becoming law. On 13 November 2025, the Government announced that the first phase of implementation would begin on 1 May 2026. This phase contains some of the most significant changes affecting tenancies, such as the abolition of Section 21 and the end of fixed-term tenancies.

Phase Two, which is expected to come into effect in “late 2026,” will include the introduction of the Landlord Ombudsman and the new PRS Database.

Phase Three may not be expected until after a consultation on the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law, which could delay implementation until as late as 2035–2037.

These reforms mark a major shift in the Private Rented Sector, affecting both tenants and landlords, and signal the start of a more regulated and transparent rental market. If you'd like to discuss the impact of this on you as landlords, and what this means for your tenants please call the team on 01202 554470.