Phase 2: Late 2026
Key Changes for Landlords
After the first phase of changes in May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act will come in two further stages, with phase 2 (starting late 2026)
Private Rented Sector Database
- A new central online database where all landlords must register themselves and the properties they rent out.
- The database will be rolled out in two stages
- Landlords will be required to sign up in a staggered process by different areas across England from late 2026.
- Failure to register could result in fines and enforcement action.
Landlord Ombudsman Service
- A new free independent body to handle tenant-landlord disputes.
- Mandatory membership for landlords.
- Designed to provide quicker and cheaper resolution to disputes without the need to go to court.
More protections to improve conditions in private rented homes will come in phase 3, with public consultations informing their introduction.
This includes introducing a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time so tenants have safe, secure and warm housing. Extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector will also be consulted on soon, to protect all tenants from dangerous homes.
Alongside the Renters’ Rights Act, we will also see an improved Housing Health and Safety Rating System which will better assess health and safety risks in homes and making it more efficient and easier to understand – also supporting work to introduce the Decent Homes Standard to privately rented homes.