Is the Renters' Rights Act 2025 in force?

Partially. The Act received Royal Assent in late 2025, and its first major phase — including the abolition of Section 21 evictions and the move to periodic tenancies — took effect on 1 May 2026. Later phases, including the Awaab's Law extension to private rentals, are not yet in force.

When will Awaab's Law apply to private landlords?

No date has been confirmed. The Awaab's Law extension is part of Phase 3 of the Act's rollout, alongside the Decent Homes Standard, and the government has said it will consult on the details — including exact timeframes — before commencement. Check GOV.UK for the latest.

What should private landlords do while waiting for Phase 3?

Prepare now: set up a written process for logging damp and mould reports, review properties with known issues, and build a relationship with a qualified local specialist. Landlords with working processes in place will find compliance straightforward when the timeframes become law.

Where can I check the official rollout dates?

GOV.UK publishes the official guidance and commencement announcements for the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This page is reviewed against GOV.UK sources — the 'last checked' date is shown at the top of the timeline.

Is the Renters' Rights Act 2025 in force?

Partially. The Act received Royal Assent in late 2025, and its first major phase — including the abolition of Section 21 evictions and the move to periodic tenancies — took effect on 1 May 2026. Later phases, including the Awaab's Law extension to private rentals, are not yet in force.

When will Awaab's Law apply to private landlords?

No date has been confirmed. The Awaab's Law extension is part of Phase 3 of the Act's rollout, alongside the Decent Homes Standard, and the government has said it will consult on the details — including exact timeframes — before commencement. Check GOV.UK for the latest.

What should private landlords do while waiting for Phase 3?

Prepare now: set up a written process for logging damp and mould reports, review properties with known issues, and build a relationship with a qualified local specialist. Landlords with working processes in place will find compliance straightforward when the timeframes become law.

Where can I check the official rollout dates?

GOV.UK publishes the official guidance and commencement announcements for the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This page is reviewed against GOV.UK sources — the 'last checked' date is shown at the top of the timeline.

Renters’ Rights Act 2025: Rollout Timeline

What’s already law, what’s coming next, and when Awaab’s Law reaches the private rented sector — phase by phase.

Summary

The Renters' Rights Bill received Royal Assent in late 2025 and is now the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Phase 1 — including Section 21 abolition and periodic tenancies — has been in force since 1 May 2026. The Awaab's Law extension to private rentals is Phase 3, with no confirmed start date yet.

Last checked against GOV.UK: 3 July 2026. Dates for phases not yet commenced are indicative and subject to change — always confirm on GOV.UK.

The Three Phases

Phase 1

In force

1 May 2026

Abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions
All new and existing assured tenancies become periodic
Strengthened possession grounds for landlords
New rules on rent increases (one per year, via Section 13 notice)

These reforms are live. All assured shorthold tenancies converted to periodic tenancies on the commencement date.

Phase 2

Expected late 2026

Late 2026 (indicative)

Private Rented Sector Database — landlord registration
PRS Landlord Ombudsman — mandatory membership

The government has indicated a late-2026 target for the database and ombudsman services. Dates are indicative until formally commenced.

Phase 3

No date set

To be confirmed — subject to consultation

Awaab's Law extension to the private rented sector
Decent Homes Standard applied to private rentals

The government has committed to consulting on implementation details, including the specific hazard timeframes, before setting a commencement date. No date has been confirmed.

What This Means for Private Landlords

Direct answer

Phase 1 changes already affect every private landlord in England — Section 21 is gone and all tenancies are periodic. The damp and mould duties under Awaab's Law are not yet in force for private rentals, but they are coming in Phase 3, so building your compliance processes now is the sensible move.

The gap between phases is an opportunity. Social landlords who scrambled to meet the October 2025 deadline had weeks to build reporting and remediation processes; private landlords have months. Setting up a written log for damp and mould reports, inspecting properties with known issues, and identifying a qualified local specialist are all things you can do before Phase 3 has a date.

For the full picture of what Awaab’s Law will require, see the complete Awaab’s Law guide and the landlord compliance guide.

Get Ready Before Phase 3 Gets a Date

The landlords who struggle with statutory timeframes are the ones who start looking for a contractor after a report comes in. Find and vet a verified specialist now, while you have time to be selective.

Find a specialist near you Landlord compliance guide

Frequently Asked Questions About the Renters' Rights Act Rollout

Is the Renters' Rights Act 2025 in force?: Partially. The Act received Royal Assent in late 2025, and its first major phase — including the abolition of Section 21 evictions and the move to periodic tenancies — took effect on 1 May 2026. Later phases, including the Awaab's Law extension to private rentals, are not yet in force.
When will Awaab's Law apply to private landlords?: No date has been confirmed. The Awaab's Law extension is part of Phase 3 of the Act's rollout, alongside the Decent Homes Standard, and the government has said it will consult on the details — including exact timeframes — before commencement. Check GOV.UK for the latest.
What should private landlords do while waiting for Phase 3?: Prepare now: set up a written process for logging damp and mould reports, review properties with known issues, and build a relationship with a qualified local specialist. Landlords with working processes in place will find compliance straightforward when the timeframes become law.
Where can I check the official rollout dates?: GOV.UK publishes the official guidance and commencement announcements for the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This page is reviewed against GOV.UK sources — the 'last checked' date is shown at the top of the timeline.