I’ve seen many legislative shifts — but nothing as far-reaching as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. The landlords who act early will protect their income, compliance and long-term profitability. With the first deadlines only weeks away, preparation is now essential.

Royal Assent: 27 October 2025
Phase 1 goes live: 1 May 2026 (affecting all new and existing tenancies in England).Before we even reach May, the first changes arrive this month.

Councils gain new enforcement powers
From 27 December, councils will be able to:
• Demand documents from landlords, agents or third parties such as banks and utility companies
• Enter properties with 24 hours’ notice — or without notice via a warrant
• Use £18.2m of new government funding to step up inspections, particularly around HHSRS issues such as damp and mould

This reinforces existing safety and property-condition duties. Failure to provide information without reasonable excuse becomes a criminal offence carrying fines of up to £1,000.