Last updated 18 October 2026. Data last sourced: 18 October 2026. Items labelled proposed or phased are not fully in force yet.

• Renters Rights Act 2025, Phase 1

  England, in force 1 May 2026

  Assured periodic tenancies replaced fixed term ASTs and Section 21 no fault evictions were abolished. Landlords use a Section 8 ground instead.

  GOV.UK implementation roadmap

• Private rented sector database and landlord ombudsman

  England, phased from late 2026, ombudsman membership expected 2028

  A mandatory property database is planned from late 2026, followed by a landlord ombudsman scheme. Dates are from the government roadmap and may change.

  GOV.UK implementation roadmap

• Higher minimum energy standard, EPC C equivalent

  England and Wales, compliance date 1 October 2030, legislation subject to Parliament

  Private rented homes will need to meet a higher standard equivalent to EPC C, with a 10,000 pound cost cap. This is confirmed policy, not yet in force.

  GOV.UK consultation outcome

• Decent Homes Standard and Awaabs Law for private renting

  England, proposed, dates subject to consultation

  Government plans to extend both to the private rented sector in Phase 3. No commencement date has been confirmed.

  GOV.UK implementation roadmap

• Housing (Scotland) Act 2025: rent control framework

  Scotland, framework from 1 April 2026, first council reports by 31 May 2027

  Councils must assess local rent conditions. Where an area is designated, increases are capped at CPI plus 1 percent, up to 6 percent. No area cap applies until designated.

  gov.scot rent controls

• Awaabs Law: damp and mould duties

  Scotland, in force 6 October 2026

  Social and private landlords must investigate damp and mould reports and start needed repairs within set timescales.

  gov.scot Awaabs Law guidance

• Discrimination ban in occupation contracts

  Wales, in force 1 June 2026, contract updates were due by 14 June 2026

  Landlords cannot discriminate against applicants or contract holders because of children or benefits. Standard contracts needed the new terms.

  Rent Smart Wales

• Rent Smart Wales licence conditions

  Wales, licences granted or renewed since 1 September 2025

  Updated conditions include HMO inspections every 6 months and keeping records for 2 years or the tenancy length, whichever is longer.

  Rent Smart Wales news

• Electrical safety checks at least every 5 years

  Northern Ireland, new tenancies from 1 April 2025, existing tenancies by 1 December 2025

  Electrical installations must be inspected and tested by a qualified person, with a report for the tenant and for the council on request.

  Department for Communities

• Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms

  Northern Ireland, new tenancies from 1 September 2024, all tenancies by 1 December 2024

  Required alarms must be British Standard compliant, kept working, and repaired or replaced when faulty.

  Department for Communities guidance

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