At long last, we have an implementation date for the first stage of the Renters’ Rights Act. On May 1, 2026, a number of new rules and the transition from ASTs to periodic tenancies will come into effect.
In other news, the Government has released an official Renters’ Rights Act guide, Rachel Reeves delivered her second Autumn Budget, and UN experts have raised concerns over England’s social housing stock.
Implementation dates announced for first stage of Renters’ Rights Act
After months of speculation, the Government announced the first key implementation date for the Renters’ Rights Act. This marks the start of a historic shift in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) towards tenant rights.
According to the newly published roadmap, the first stage of the Act will become effective on May 1, 2025. From May, all existing and new Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will convert to the latest periodic tenancy structure, and Section 21 evictions will be abolished. After this date, landlords seeking to regain possession of their properties will have to rely on one of the strengthened Section 8 grounds.
Other hotly anticipated parts of the Act, such as the new PRS ombudsman and the national PRS database, will come into force later in 2026. Different parts of the Act, such as the new Decent Homes Standard, still lack a finalised timeline.
While any announcement is welcome after such a long period of uncertainty, the phased rollout means the sector must prepare for change well ahead of May. We believe it is essential that landlords are given sufficient time to adapt their processes, update tenancy documentation, and understand the implications of operating within a fully periodic tenancy system.
As your letting agent, we will be working closely with you to ensure you are ready for each stage of implementation. We will provide updated guidance, revised templates, and practical support as further details emerge.
Government publishes official guide to Renters’ Rights Act
On November 6, the Government published its official “Guide to the Renters’ Right Act”, offering official guidance on what the Act will mean for tenants, letting agents, and landlords.
This new guide, the first since the Act received Royal Assent earlier this year, sets out in detail what landlords can expect as the PRS moves towards the new legal framework.
The guide covers a wide range of updates: the abolition of Section 21 evictions, the shift towards periodic tenancies, new limits on rent increases, restrictions on upfront rent demands, rules on pets, and strengthened protections against discrimination against tenants with children or those claiming benefits. These explanations offer helpful clarity, but they also highlight the scale of operational change the sector will need to prepare for.
At Revive Property Management Services Limited, we appreciate the Government’s clarification and will be with you every step of the way as we enter this brave new world under the Renters’ Rights Bill. Please contact your managing agent if you need any further explanation.
Rachel Reeves delivers the 2025 Autumn Budget
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered her second Autumn Budget. With this Budget, Reeves has made three changes with significant implications for landlords. Our partners over at Goodlord have produced a very helpful blog explaining the changes in detail. Here’s our summary:
- Separate tax rates for rental income – From April 2027, landlords will face new tax rates specifically for Rental income: 22% (basic), 42% (higher), and 47% (additional).
- Higher Tax on dividends and savings income – Landlords who draw their rental income through a company structure will see their rates jump up.
- A new High Value Council Tax Surcharge – This new HVCTS will impose a surcharge of £2,500 per year on properties worth over £2 million. The charge will grow to £7,500 for properties worth over £5 million.
We understand that these changes may raise concerns about how they could affect your rental income. Should you need us, our agents will be on hand to talk you through the new Budget and offer tailored advice on how you and your portfolio can best respond.
UN housing experts raise an alarm at major social housing provider
A UN team of housing experts has warned that one of the UK’s major social housing providers may be systematically failing to provide safe housing for its residents. The team levelled their criticism at London & Quadrant Housing Trust (L&Q), following reports of severe disrepair, unresolved damp issues, and general neglect.
The concerns, laid out in a formal letter sent to the UK Government, focus on the case of a disabled tenant and his family. According to the experts, the household endured years without electricity, experienced repeated ceiling collapses, and was exposed to significant damp and mould. Their children reportedly developed respiratory and skin problems, and the tenant also claimed to have experienced unaddressed racial harassment and antisocial behaviour.
The experts wrote that such failures potentially breach basic human rights and raised serious concerns over L&Q’s ability to restore habitability across its rental portfolio.
This story illustrates the importance of properly preparing for the implementation of Awaab’s Law in the PRS. Landlords like you will be under increasing scrutiny as the Law is expanded, so work should start now.
As always, we’ll be on hand to help you through the implementation. If you’re worried about damp and mould in your properties, we can help you build processes, such as formal inspection schedules and detailed repair records, to ensure you stay compliant with the law.