The clock is ticking. The first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (“the RRA”) is due to come into force on 1 May 2026.

(Click here to see our separate article outlining the implementation timeline).

While much of the discussion around the RRA has focused on the abolition of “no‑fault” evictions and the increased security afforded to tenants, the RRA also introduces a significantly strengthened enforcement regime.

This article highlights the key duties landlords must comply with under the new regime and the practical steps landlords should take now to prepare.

Enforcement Powers and Financial Exposure

Local authorities will have enhanced powers to impose sanctions and penalties and even prosecute to ensure landlord compliance. Civil penalties may be imposed of up to £7,000 for breaches, which are instances of noncompliance, and up to £40,000 for offences, which are repeat or serious instances of noncompliance.

Local authorities also have the power to prosecute for offences, which may result in criminal sanctions.

Key Duties for Landlords and Letting Agents

Failure to comply with the following key duties may result in enforcement action by the local authority:

• Duty not to grant a tenancy on a fixed‑term basis – Once the Act is in force, landlords or letting agents who deliberately or inadvertently attempt to grant a fixed‑term tenancy risk the imposition of a financial penalty.
• Duty to issue a Written Statement of Terms for new tenancies/prescribed information for existing tenancies- Landlords are under new duties to provide tenants with a Written Statement of Terms before a new tenancy is entered into, or, the Information Sheet before 31^st May for all existing tenancies.
  (Click here to see our separate article for further guidance on the requirements of the Written Statements and information sheet)
• Duty to propose the initial rent when marketing a property, and not to accept or encourage rental bidding
• Duty not to engage in discriminatory conduct during the marketing process – Including attempts to prevent tenants with children or in receipt of housing benefit to be considered for a tenancy.
• Duties relating to joining and ensuring compliance with the Private Rented Sector Landlord Database and/or the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman
• Duties not to service invalid possession notices and/or rely on grounds that do not entitle the landlord to recover possession

Additional Sanctions Under the RRA

• Rent Repayment Orders – Tenants may reclaim rent paid during periods where certain offences have been committed by the landlord.
• Banning Orders and Database Inclusion- Serious or repeated breaches may result in banning orders, preventing landlords from letting property for a specified period and leading to inclusion on enforcement databases.
• Restrictions on Possession Claims- Non‑compliance may prevent a landlord from serving a valid notice or successfully obtaining a possession order, even where a substantive ground might otherwise apply.

Practical Steps that Landlords should take now

• Review tenancy documentation and letting practices to highlight any areas on non-compliance
• Familiarise themselves with new procedural and registration requirements to ensure they operate within the new rules after 1^st May
• Seek legal advice before taking steps to recover possession or enforce tenancy rights

Early preparation and compliance are likely to be far more cost‑effective than responding to enforcement action or defending penalties once breaches have occurred. Please contact our Property Litigation Team for further tailored advice.