The Property Ombudsman says it welcomes implementation details for the Renters Rights Act 2025 – and it’s keen to help agents prepare for key deadlines.
The first phase of reforms from the Act will take effect on May 1 2026.
Implementation of phase one focuses solely on tenancy reform: the transition to periodic tenancies, limits on rent in advance, a ban on rental bidding, clearer rules on rent increases via Section 13 notices, strengthened anti-discrimination measures, scrapping Section 21, and new rights around pets.
Further phases of the Act will follow:
- Phase Two (late 2026): Landlord Ombudsman and new PRS Database
- Phase Three (TBC, consultation expected 2035–2037): Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law
Chief Ombudsman Lesley Horton says: “We’re really pleased to see that the roadmap has been published, giving much needed clarity on when the key provisions will come into effect.
“Our Consumer and Industry Forum this week brought together consumer and industry stakeholders into one room where we had open and collaborative discussions on the Act and how to make it work for letting agents, landlords and tenants. Time to prepare is critical and now with this roadmap, all parties can really move forward with their preparations.
“We’re committed to supporting letting agents, landlords and tenants and will be releasing guidance in due course to help with this preparation.
“We’re also looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Ministry, particularly on the introduction of the Ombudsman which will come in phase two of the roadmap.”
The government’s roadmap is available on its website.
