Renters’ Rights Act 2026 – Implementation Timeline

The government will introduce the Renters’ Rights Act in stages, with the first major changes taking effect from 1 May 2026.

However, in the meantime, some measures will come into force earlier. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the full implementation schedule. Below, you will find a clear breakdown of the key dates and, more importantly, what they mean in practice.

December 2025

27 December 2025
New local enforcement measures and investigatory powers for local councils come into force.

January 2026

The final wording of tenancy agreements is expected to be confirmed.

March 2026

The official information sheet is published.
This document must be provided to all current and existing tenants to explain the upcoming changes.

April 2026

Guidance is issued to tenants explaining how the reforms will affect them.

30 April 2026
Last day to serve a Section 21 notice.

May 2026 – Major Reform Begins

1 May 2026

From this date, the first stage of implementation will begin. In particular, this phase will introduce several significant changes, including:

• The abolition of Section 21 (“no-fault”) evictions

• The abolition of fixed-term tenancies

• The end of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)

Collectively, these reforms mark a fundamental shift in how residential tenancies will operate going forward.

31 May 2026
Deadline for:

• Serving the information leaflet to existing tenants
• Notifying student tenants if Ground 4A may be relied upon

Summer 2026

Financial penalties introduced for Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

31 July 2026
Final deadline to apply to court for possession under a previously served Section 21 notice.
After this date, all Section 21 notices become invalid.

Late 2026

In addition, the new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database will be launched, which will require landlords to:

• Register themselves

• Register their property details

• Provide relevant compliance information

Furthermore, this system will not be introduced all at once. Instead, it will be implemented through a phased, regional rollout, allowing landlords time to prepare and ensure they meet the new requirements.

2027

The Renters’ Rights Act reforms extend to the social rented sector.

April/May 2027
Government target date for full end-to-end digitisation of the court system.

2028

Mandatory sign-up to the PRS Landlord Ombudsman is expected to take effect.

May 2028
Government publishes its first formal review assessing the impact of the Act.

2031

May 2031
Second government evaluation published at the five-year mark.

Worried about the Renters Reform Bill and the changes? Don’t have a guarantor or a rent guarantee scheme? Contact us to find out what you need to do in order to obtain one. Call us on 01273 827090 or click here.