Renters Rights Act 2025 – Implementation of Phases 2 and 3

Published on Sep 14, 2026

Following the implementation of Phase 1 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 on 1 May 2026, including the abolition of section 21 (“no-fault”) evictions and other tenancy reforms, Phase 2 will begin in late 2026, with Phase 3 following on a date yet to be confirmed.

Phase 2 will see the creation of a new database for the private rented sector (the PRS Database) which will be rolled out gradually by area showing who is renting out homes across England. Registration will be mandatory for private landlord, who will be required to provide prescribed information and pay an annual fee. Once available in a particular area, tenants will be able to check whether their landlord is registered. Landlords are responsible for ensuring their compliance with these new rules, with local authorities being given greater powers to act if landlords are found to be in breach. 

The Government will also create a new ombudsman service which will be implemented after the database. The Government expects this new service to be ready in 2028. 

Phase 3 will also focus on the private rented sector and is intended to raise standards of homes in this sector. The Government intends to introduce requirements for landlords to ensure that their properties meet the following criteria:

•    an energy performance rating of EPC C by 1 October 2030, unless a valid exemption applies; and
•    a decent homes standard by 2035. 

Subject to consultation, changes imposed by Awaab’s Law in October 2025 to the Social Housing Sector will be extended to the private rented sector. Implementation dates have not yet to be announced. 

If you’re a landlord or tenant and would like to discuss how these changes may impact you, please get in touch with our litigation and dispute resolution team.