Guide · Renters' Rights Act

Renters' Rights Act: a checklist for landlords

Renting in England changed on 1 May 2026. Tick off what you have done – nothing you tick is sent or saved – and see what is coming next.

Reviewed 28 September 2026 against GOV.UK · General information, not legal advice

The short answer

Since 1 May 2026, most private tenancies in England roll on with no end date, section 21 "no fault" evictions have ended, rent can only rise once a year using Form 4A, pet requests must be considered, and rent cannot be taken before the agreement is signed. A national landlord register opens from 15 December 2026.

Landlord checklist

What landlords in England need to do

A plain checklist of what landlords in England now need to do. Tick what you have done; nothing you tick is sent or saved.

General information only and not legal advice. Based on GOV.UK guidance checked on 28 September 2026, for England.

In force since 1 May 2026
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If you do not comply, your local council can fine you up to £7,000 or £40,000 depending on the breach, or prosecute, and tenants can seek a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent. Source: GOV.UK landlord checklist

Coming next

  1. From 15 December 2026

    Register your rental property. The service opens region by region, starting in the West Midlands. When your area is called, you have 3 months to register; every landlord actively letting must be registered by 14 November 2027. Not registering risks a fine. GOV.UK

  2. Expected 2028

    Landlord Ombudsman. Landlords will need to join a new ombudsman service that settles disputes between tenants and landlords. GOV.UK

  3. Dates after consultation

    Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law will apply to private renting. GOV.UK

Get a rental valuation

For tenants

What changed for tenants

  • You can end your tenancy with two months' notice in writing
  • Rent can only go up once a year, and not in the first 12 months
  • No rent before signing, and then at most one month in advance
  • You cannot be refused because you receive benefits or have children
Your rights during a tenancy

Sources: GOV.UK landlord overview (published 1 May 2026), GOV.UK tenant overview (updated 1 May 2026), landlord register announcement (9 September 2026) and the implementation roadmap. All checked 28 September 2026.

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