The Renters’ Rights Act: the new rules are now in force
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. Its main changes for the private rented sector in England took effect on 1 May 2026, and they apply to existing tenancies as well as new ones.
What changed on 1 May 2026
- Section 21 has ended. Landlords can only regain possession on a valid, evidenced legal ground.
- Tenancies are periodic. Assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies, and tenants give at least two months’ notice to leave.
- One yearly rent increase. Rent can be increased once a year with a Section 13 notice giving at least two months’ notice. Rent review clauses no longer have effect.
- No rental bidding. Adverts must show one asking rent, and offers above it cannot be sought or accepted. Rent in advance is capped at one month.
- Pets. Tenants can ask to keep a pet, and landlords must reply in writing within 28 days and cannot refuse unreasonably.
- No discrimination against families with children or people receiving benefits.
- Tougher enforcement. Councils can issue civil penalties of up to £40,000, and rent repayment orders can reach up to 24 months’ rent.
Filed under Legislation15 October 2026
Major milestone reached in ending building safety crisis
Major milestone in government’s mission to fix the building safety crisis, as the Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill is introduced to Parliament.
Read the full announcement on GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)
Source: GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (opens in a new tab).
Filed under Government update14 October 2026
Register Your Rental Property: what London landlords need to know
The Private Rented Sector Database, called the Register Your Rental Property service, opens on 15 December 2026. It rolls out region by region, and each region has a three-month window to register.
- 15 December 2026: Rollout begins. Registration opens first in the West Midlands.
- 15 July to 14 October 2027: London registers. London landlords register in this window.
- 14 November 2027: Final national deadline. All active landlords in England must be registered.
What it means for you
- A fee of ÂŁ65 per property each year.
- You will need property details, rent, licence details and your gas, electrical (EICR or EIC) and EPC information.
- Courts will not grant a possession order to a landlord without an active registration, and failing to register risks a financial penalty.
Filed under Compliance14 October 2026
New to let across South London
C2 Property, Operator Ready
Croydon, South London. 5 beds, C2 use, 1,800 sq ft. Price on application.
Modern Two Bed Apartment
Greenwich, South London. 2 beds, 1 bath, 720 sq ft. ÂŁ1,650 per month.
New stock is added regularly. Register your requirements and we'll alert you the moment a matching property becomes available. Tenants, operators and councils all welcome.
[Register Your Requirements](/contact)
Filed under Properties13 October 2026
Council tax information letter 5/2026: Response to technical consultation on council tax enforcement
Summary of government response to technical consultation and next steps in administration reform.
Read the full announcement on GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)
Source: GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (opens in a new tab).
Filed under Government update12 October 2026
Looking ahead: ombudsman, Decent Homes and energy standards
Further changes under the Renters’ Rights Act and related policy are planned, but their dates are not yet final.
- Expected 2028: Landlord Ombudsman. Membership of a new private rented sector ombudsman is expected to become mandatory.
- Proposed, not confirmed: Energy efficiency. A proposal for privately rented homes to reach EPC C or equivalent by 2030, unless an exemption applies.
- Proposed for 2035 or 2037: Decent Homes Standard. The standard is expected to apply to privately rented homes, with enforcement dates still under consultation.
Filed under Legislation12 October 2026
Clampdown on dangerous homes to protect more tenants and families
Private renters are next to benefit from the protections of Awaab's Law. A government consultation is now open, looking at how to implement these new rights.
Read the full announcement on GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)
Source: GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (opens in a new tab).
Filed under Government update8 October 2026
Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser appointed to improve building safety
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser appointed to provide expert, independent advice on building safety and regulatory reform.
Read the full announcement on GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)
Source: GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (opens in a new tab).
Filed under Government update6 October 2026
Government goes further to protect leaseholders
Leaseholders will be given more rights and better protections under new rules, the government can confirm today.
Read the full announcement on GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)
Source: GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (opens in a new tab).
Filed under Government update29 September 2026
Social Housing Bill to strengthen homelessness prevention and protect social housing stock
New amendments to the Social Housing Bill will deliver stronger protections for homeless households.
Read the full announcement on GOV.UK ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Source: GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (opens in a new tab).
Filed under Government update · 28 September 2026