Renters' Rights Act 2025 compliance checklist for landlords

A practical checklist covering tenancy agreements, deposits, notices, safety certificates and possession grounds under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

8 min read · Updated 23 August 2026

Overview

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 changes how landlords let and manage homes in England. Use this checklist to make sure your tenancy paperwork, notices, safety certificates and processes are ready before the main provisions take effect.

1. Review your tenancy agreements

Replace fixed term assured shorthold tenancy wording with open ended assured periodic tenancies. Remove Section 21 clauses, set the rent in writing, and make sure the agreement names every landlord and tenant correctly.

2. Check your deposit protection

Protect the deposit within 30 days of receipt in a government approved scheme. Give the tenant the prescribed information, and make sure the amount does not exceed five weeks' rent where the annual rent is up to £50,000.

3. Serve the right documents at the start

Provide a valid gas safety certificate, an EPC, electrical installation condition report, and the latest How to Rent guide where required. Keep dated proof of service.

4. Know the new possession grounds

Plan to use the reformed Section 8 grounds. Anti social behaviour, serious rent arrears and repeated rent arrears have revised thresholds and notice periods. Evidence every step in writing.

5. Set up rent increase records

Give at least two months' written notice using the new form and procedure. You cannot increase rent more than once in any 12 month period using the statutory process.

6. Prepare for the landlord ombudsman

All private landlords who use an agent or manage properties themselves must join the landlord ombudsman scheme once it is live. Display membership details and follow the complaint handling rules.

7. Plan repairs and damp response

Respond to urgent health hazards within 14 days, or faster if Awaab's Law applies. Log every report, inspection, repair and follow up.

8. Keep records for every property

Maintain a file for each tenancy with the agreement, deposit certificate, safety reports, notices, correspondence and rent records. Good records are your best defence in a dispute.

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This guide is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.