Renters' Rights Act timeline: The key dates

The 1st May deadline might have stolen the headlines – but Government guidance issued today includes a host of other deadlines, including the dates for publication of the all-important regulations needed for the creation of new tenancy agreements and full digitisation of the courts. 

There are significant concerns over some of the dates, with the news that secondary legislation needed to create the new tenancy agreements will only come in January meaning that, in reality, you will only have four months to prepare.

Here’s what we know so far:  

In addition to the dates confirmed by the Government there are two additional provisions coming in under the Act that – as yet – have no implementation dates. These include  

• The introduction of Awaab’s Law: Already introduced in the social sector, this will introduce strict requirements on timescales for dealing with hazards such as damp and mould 
• The implementation of the Decent Homes Standard: The Government ran a consultation earlier this year, which suggested the standard would not apply in full until 2035 at the earliest. Plans will be confirmed in its formal

The Government has also confirmed that, separate to the Renters’ Rights Act, it also intends to: 

• Reform the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to make it easier to understand;  
• Set up a new body or mechanism to make the initial decision on whether or not a rent increase is within market rates. 

Neither of these have dates set yet, though we hope that the Housing Health and Safety Rating System will come in Spring/Summer 2026.  

For more detail on the dates – and all things Renters’ Rights Act you can access our exclusive member hub here.