The Renters' Rights Act 2025
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the biggest change to private renting in a generation. It abolished Section 21, raised penalties, and is introducing a national database every landlord must join. Here is what matters and when.
What changed on 1 May 2026
Section 21 'no fault' evictions were abolished for private landlords, and all assured tenancies became periodic.
The maximum civil penalty for offences such as operating an unlicensed property rose from £30,000 to £40,000 per offence. Rent repayment orders were extended from 12 to 24 months' rent and can now reach superior landlords in rent-to-rent arrangements.
Rental bidding and demands for large amounts of rent in advance were banned, and new discrimination protections for tenants on benefits or with children came in.
The PRS Database
A national Private Rented Sector Database is being rolled out from late 2026, with full mandatory registration expected during 2027. Every landlord will need to register their details and each let property, including safety certificates.
Failing to register, or marketing an unregistered property, can bring a civil penalty of up to £7,000, rising to £40,000 and possible prosecution for repeat or serious breaches. Once the database is live, courts can refuse to grant possession to landlords who are not registered.
Why licensing matters more now
The Act gave councils new investigatory powers and made it easier and faster to designate selective licensing schemes. Combined with higher penalties and longer rent repayment orders, the cost of missing a licence has gone up sharply.
Staying compliant means knowing exactly which licences your property needs today, and watching for new schemes in your area. That is what PRSCheck is built to do.