The Renters Rights Act 2025 – Why Landlords Must Act Now on Compliance

A New Era of Regulation

The Renters Rights Act 2025 has now become law, bringing the most extensive reform of the private rental sector in more than three decades. The first phase of the Act will come into force on 1 May 2026, with further elements rolled out in later stages during 2026 and beyond. The implications for landlords are significant, and preparation now is essential to remain compliant, protect income and avoid costly penalties. The Act introduces reforms aimed at raising standards, improving transparency and creating a single, clear framework for all residential tenancies. Key changes include:

• The abolition of fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies and the introduction of open-ended periodic agreements.
• The end of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, replaced by updated and clearly defined possession grounds.
• Annual rent reviews limited to once per year, with formal notice requirements and restrictions on excessive increases.
• The creation of a national Property Portal requiring all landlords to register their properties and upload compliance documentation.
• Mandatory membership of a new Landlord Ombudsman to handle tenant complaints outside of the court system.
• The extension of the Decent Homes Standard and inclusion of time-bound repair requirements under Awaab’s Law for serious hazards such as damp and mould.

These measures are designed to professionalise the sector, but for landlords, they also mean a far greater administrative and legal burden.

Penalties and Enforcement: The Act introduces new and stronger powers for local authorities to enforce compliance. Councils will be able to issue civil penalties for a wide range of breaches, and the scale of these fines is considerable. Our detailed Compliance Table, outlines each key duty under the Act, the corresponding offence, and the penalties that may apply. Click here for our Compliance Table.

In summary, landlords now face:

• Civil penalties of up to £40,000 per offence, or unlimited fines for criminal prosecutions
• Rent Repayment Orders allowing tenants to claim back up to two years’ rent for serious or repeated breaches
• The possibility of banning orders, licence revocation, and public listing on enforcement registers for persistent offenders

Why Compliance Must Start Now: Although most provisions do not take effect until May 2026, the groundwork begins immediately. Landlords should:

• Audit their tenancy agreements and documentation
• Review maintenance standards and safety certification
• Prepare for property registration and Ombudsman membership
• Understand the new rent and possession processes.

The cost of non-compliance is too high to leave until the last minute. Being proactive now means avoiding disruption when the law comes into effect — and protecting both your investment and your reputation.

The Importance of a Regulated and Qualified Agent: Navigating the complexity of this legislation requires expertise and precision. As a fully regulated and RICS-accredited agency, tlc Estate Agents has already begun implementing the systems and training required to manage properties under the new framework. Our compliance-first approach ensures that every landlord we work with remains ahead of legislative change. We handle the evolving regulatory requirements, documentation, and communication, leaving our clients free to focus on their investment returns with complete confidence. If you are not currently one of our landlords, we are now offering a compliance auditing service. This detailed review will assess your properties, documentation and tenancies to ensure you are fully prepared for the Act’s commencement. Please contact our lettings team for further details.

Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay protected.

The Renters Rights Act represents a fundamental shift in how the private rental sector operates. By taking action now, landlords can turn compliance into an advantage — protecting assets, avoiding penalties and strengthening tenant relationships. For a full breakdown of the Act and its key provisions, visit our overview page here: Renters Rights Act 2025 – Kensington and Chelsea Landlord Guide

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Renters Rights Act, A Kensington and Chelsea Landlord’s Guide

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