Renters’ Rights Act: Essential Updates for Residential Landlords and Letting Agents
Happy New Year!
2025 brought a significant increase in regulatory and compliance requirements for residential landlords, and 2026 looks set to continue this trend. Landlords and letting agents operating in the private sector must prepare for major legislative changes to avoid non-compliance and enforcement action.
The Renters' Rights Act introduces wide-ranging reforms that will significantly impact residential landlords and letting agents across England. Understanding these new obligations is essential to ensure continued compliance and effective property management.
Renters' Rights Act Implementation Timeline
The government has confirmed the Act will be introduced in three phases:
- Phase 1: To commence 1 May 2026
- Phase 2: Late 2026
- Phase 3: 2035 or later
Each phase introduces new requirements that landlords and agents must comply with as the legislation is rolled out.
To support compliance, we have added a new Guidance: Renters’ Rights Act for Residential Landlords and Renters’ Rights Act: Implementation Timeline to the comprehensive range of landlord compliance documents. These resources outline key dates, transitional arrangements, and the practical changes coming into force at each stage.
Updates to the Tenant Fees Act 2019
The government has also updated its guidance on The Tenant Fees Act 2019, particularly in relation to:
- restrictions on rent in advance; and
- transparency requirements for utility payments ( if included in the rent)
We have updated the Guidance Note: Tenant Fees Act 2019 (England) and Tenant Fees Act 2019 (England) Matrix to reflect the most recent changes.
Staying informed and prepared is essential to managing risk and maintaining compliance in an increasingly regulated private rented sector.
The contents of this Newsletter are for reference purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Independent legal advice should be sought in relation to any specific legal matter.