Guidance on the Renters’ Rights Act for tenants and landlords

The Renters’ Rights Act changes the rules for renting in England.

The changes start in 2026 and aim to:

  • give tenants more security
  • improve housing standards
  • create clearer rights and responsibilities for tenants and landlords

This page explains what the changes mean for tenants, landlords, letting agents and anyone renting or letting a property in Wirral.

Important notice for landlords

The Government has announced the next phase of the Renters’ Rights Act.

If you are a landlord in Wirral, you should get ready to register your rental property with the Government.

Important dates for the North West

  • regulations commence on 15 May 2027
  • you must register by 14 August 2027

Find out how to prepare

Get ready: 'Register your rental property' service - Housing Hub

If you need to register your property and do not do so, action may be taken against you.

Key changes at a glance

The Act introduces:

  • the end of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
  • introduction of periodic (rolling) tenancies
  • stronger, clearer grounds for possession
  • limits on rent increases (generally once per year)
  • new private rented sector ombudsman
  • creation of a Property Portal for landlords
  • new rights for tenants, including requesting pets
  • ban on discrimination against tenants with children or benefits
  • strengthened local authority enforcement powers

When will the changes happen?

The changes are being introduced in phases:

Change Date
No section 21 “No Fault” evictions 30 April 2026
Existing tenancies will transition 1 May 2026
Introduction of Private Rented Sector Database 15 May 2027
Introduction of ombudsman To be announced
Introduction of Decent Homes Standard To be announced
Introduction of Awaabs law To be announced

How the changes protect tenants and landlords from unfair practices

  • rent increases are limited and must be reasonable
  • tenants can challenge unfair rent increases
  • a decent Homes Standard which sets a new minimum standard for rental properties will apply
  • introduction of Awaabs. Awaab's Law is a new legal framework in England aimed at ensuring social landlords address housing hazards, particularly damp and mould, within strict timeframes to improve tenant safety and health.

Greater security

  • tenancies will become open-ended rather than fixed term
  • landlords must provide a valid legal reason to end a tenancy 

More rights and flexibility

  • tenants can leave with 2 months’ notice
  • tenants can request permission to keep pets 

Fair access to housing

Landlords must not discriminate against: 

  • families with children
  • people receiving benefits

What this means for landlords

Landlords must not:

  • discriminate unlawfully
  • refuse pets without a valid reason
  • use unfair rent increases to force tenants out 

Clearer possession grounds - landlords can still regain possession where there is a valid reason, such as:

  • selling the property
  • moving in themselves or a family member
  • rent arrears or anti-social behaviour 

Changes to tenancies 

All tenancies will become periodic.

Landlords must:

  • comply with the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
  • register properties on the Property Portal
  • issue new updated tenancy documents before 1 June 2026 

Failure to comply may result in financial penalties or enforcement action. 

Property standards 

Properties must meet minimum Decent Homes Standards.

Role of the council 

The council has a duty to:

  • investigate complaints
  • report complaints
  • enforce housing standards
  • take action against unlawful evictions
  • issue Civil Penalties where appropriate 

Resolving disputes 

Tenants and landlords are encouraged to resolve issues directly where possible. 

Where this is not successful:

  • the council may investigate serious issues or legal breaches
  • complaints may be referred to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman

Register your rental property

As part of the next phase of the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords will need to register themselves and their rental properties with the Government.

For properties in the North West:

  • regulations commence on 15 May 2027
  • registration must be completed by 14 August 2027

Find out what information you will need before registering:

Get ready: 'Register your rental property' service - Housing Hub

How to make a complaint to the council about a privately rented property 

If you are experiencing issues with a private rented property, you can report this to the council. 

This may include:

  • unsafe or poor housing conditions
  • illegal eviction or harassment
  • failure to carry out repair
  • breaches of the Renters’ Rights Act 

To report the issue to the council, login or register a new account (top right on the form) below. Then select the 'Request Subject' dropdown option 'Housing: Renters Rights Complaints' and complete all required information:

Login or register a new account to report an issue

After you have reported an issue:

  • the council will assess the information provided
  • you may be contacted for further details
  • appropriate action will be taken where necessary

Further advice and support 

For full details of the legislation and supporting guidance, you can view the official documents below: 

Disclaimer

This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Full details will be confirmed in legislation and government guidance. 

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is the full legal framework setting out the changes to the private rented sector, including tenancy reform, possession grounds, and new enforcement powers. 

The Explanatory Notes are published alongside the legislation to help readers understand the purpose and effect of each section of the Act in more accessible language. 

The government’s official guide provides a practical overview of how the changes will affect tenants, landlords, and local authorities, including what actions may be required before implementation. 

Residents, landlords and agents are encouraged to review these documents for more detailed information, particularly where they need to understand their legal rights and responsibilities under the new legislation.

Information for tenants 

Information for landlords

The PDF files above may not be suitable to view for people with disabilities, users of assistive technology or mobile phone devices.

For further queries: