Renters’ Rights Act: What You Need to Know About the New Implementation Dates

Posted in Dec 10 , 2025

After years of anticipation, we finally have confirmed implementation dates for the Renters’ Rights Act, the most significant piece of housing legislation in nearly forty years. Designed to modernise and rebalance the private rented sector, the Act will be introduced gradually to ensure a smoother transition for agents, landlords and tenants alike.

The Government has outlined a phased timeline, allowing all parties time to prepare for the operational and legal changes ahead.

Phase 1: From 1 May 2026

The first phase introduces the headline reforms that have shaped much of the discussion around the Act. Key changes include:

• The abolition of Section 21

• All tenancies shifting to periodic agreements

• Rent increases limited to once per year

• Strengthened rights and processes surrounding tenancy disputes

These changes represent a major shift in how tenancies are managed and will require landlords and agents to review their current practices closely.

Phase 2: Between 2026 and 2028

During this period, two central structural reforms will be rolled out:

• The launch of a new Private Rented Sector (PRS) database

• The introduction of the landlord ombudsman

These additions aim to increase transparency, accountability and professionalism within the sector, offering tenants clearer routes for redress while supporting compliant landlords.

Phase 3: From 2030 onwards

The final implementation phase will bring further regulatory standards into the private rented sector, including:

• The application of Awaab’s Law, strengthening requirements around damp and mould response times

• The extension of the Decent Homes Standard to private rented properties

These measures are designed to raise the baseline for quality and safety across all rented homes.

What This Means for You

The scale and pace of these reforms are considerable and may raise understandable questions about responsibilities, compliance, and future risk management. Whether you are a landlord with a growing portfolio, an accidental landlord, or an agent navigating operational changes, preparing early is essential.

At Mayfords, our team has already begun developing tailored guidance to support landlords, investors and agents through each stage of the transition. With over forty years of experience and a holistic, values-driven approach, we are here to ensure you feel informed, protected and confident throughout the upcoming changes.