Renters' Rights Act: Part two of our exclusive webinar series
Almost 2,000 of you joined the second of our exclusive, member-only webinars, taking a deep dive into the detail of the Renters' Rights Act.
This session delivered expert insight on enforcement powers, implementation timelines, and compliance steps ahead of the Act coming into force next year.
James Wood, our head of policy, outlined the critical dates you need to be aware of, including 27th December, when local authorities gain new enforcement powers and 1st May next year, when some of the major reforms – including the abolition of Section 21 – take effect.
As well running through detail of the timeline and new enforcement measures, we also outlined positive steps you can take now to get ready.
These include:
- Inspecting your properties for hazards and addressing them now
- Reviewing whether your current rents are sustainable under the new system
- Ensuring you understand the new Section 13 rent increase process
- Checking all tenancies have written agreements in place
We emphasised the importance of performing inspections to address serious hazards in properties - known as ‘category 1 hazards’ under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
This not only protects tenants but helps to avoid potential on-the-spot fines of up to £7,000 that will be levied from spring/summer next year.
Your questions
The session also offered you the option to submit your own questions to our expert team
Do we need to update current fixed-term written tenancy agreements by 1 May 2026?
While agreements (if they're already in writing) don't need to be updated pre-1st May 2026, landlords will need to issue information to their tenants within a month of commencement. For existing tenancies, as long as everything is in order and you’re happy for the tenancy to continue, then you shouldn’t have to do anything until 1 May 2026. However, it is sensible to let your tenants know that their tenancies will be changing at some point in the future and that you will need to serve them some paperwork when it does.
How long before a property can be re-let after evicting a tenant for family occupation?
Landlords won't be able to re-let or market the property within the 'restricted period'. This is either 12 months after the date in the notice or 12 months after a claim for possession is made.
Do existing Section 21 laws apply until the RRA commencement date?
You can continue to serve a Section 21 notice until the Act comes into force. You will have until 31st July 2026 to apply to court for possession following service of a Section 21 notice. If you do not apply to court during this window, the Section 21 notice will expire, and you will need to re-serve notice under Section 8.
Preparing for the changes
Training and development officer Hannah Kenyon also joined the session to highlight the comprehensive training support available, including our full Renters' Rights Act course and five deep-dive courses covering specific areas including student lets, enforcement, and ending tenancies. Click here to book your place for our comprehensive training programme.
The next part
The final webinar of the three-part series is on 10th December and will cover enforcement in more detail ahead of the new powers coming into force. It will start at 11am. To book click here.
To watch the first webinar, Renters’ Rights Q&A – Preparing for the Act, click here – if you registered for the second webinar, you should have received a link directing you to a recording.
More information
- To access frequently asked questions about the legislation, click here.
- To visit our Renters’ Rights Hub, packed with information and resources to help you manage the transition click here.
