From 27 December 2025, local authorities in England will gain enhanced investigatory powers under the Renters' Rights Act. 

These new powers are designed to strengthen enforcement of housing standards, tackle rogue landlords and agents, and ensure compliance with rental sector legislation. 

Landlords and letting agents should be prepared for increased scrutiny, ensure all required documentation is up to date, and maintain full compliance with property, tenancy and licensing requirements. 

What Powers Will Local Authorities Have?

Under the new provisions, local authorities will be able to:

• Request information from any person or organisation (including landlords, agents, tenancy deposit schemes, and councils) to investigate potential housing law breaches. 
• Enter business premises to inspect and seize documents, provided at least 24 hours’ notice is given. 
• Enter residential premises, also with at least 24 hours’ notice, where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a breach (for example, unlicensed HMO or unsafe living conditions). 
• Apply to the court for a warrant if entry or document access is refused. 

Who Must Provide Information?

Those classed as “relevant persons” under Section 114(2) of the Act, these include:

• Anyone with an estate or interest in the property within the past 12 months.
• Anyone who has acted on behalf of such person (for instance, a letting agent).
• A licensor of the property.

If the local authority requests information, you must provide it within the timeframe specified in the notice. 

Failure to comply

Failure to comply with a request from the local authority may result in serious penalties as follows:

• Civil penalties of up to £7,000 for a single breach
• Fines of up to £40,000 for repeat or continuing breaches
• Possible prosecution under section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911 if false or misleading information is knowingly provided. 

Practical Steps for Landlords and Agents

To avoid enforcement action and penalties, landlords and agents should:

• Maintain accurate and complete tenancy records, deposit protection, and HMO licences. 
• Respond promptly to any information requests from the local authority. 
• Conduct regular compliance checks to ensure properties meet the housing law standards. 

Property contains an extensive range of documents, templates and checklists to assist landlords with managing their residential tenancies.