What's coming next for renters

If you have an older, protected tenancy, most of these plans cover you too, but your rent is set differently, so the last section doesn't apply. See Rent increases for protected tenants.

The biggest changes from the Renters' Rights Act 2025 began on 1 May 2026. Here's what the government has officially announced for the future. Plans and dates can change, so the links at the end are the best place to check the latest.

A national register of landlords

The government has announced a new service called "Register your rental property". Landlords will need to register themselves and each home they let. It is due to open on 15 December 2026 in the West Midlands, then reach other regions month by month. Landlords in the North West are due to register between May and August 2027, and in London between July and October 2027. The government says that in future, tenants will be able to see whether their landlord has signed up.

A Landlord Ombudsman

A new ombudsman will give private renters a free, independent way to resolve complaints that a landlord hasn't put right. It isn't open yet. The government expects landlords to have to join in 2028, once the service is ready.

A Decent Homes Standard for private renting

The government plans to apply a Decent Homes Standard to private rented homes for the first time. Its plans say a home must be free of the most dangerous hazards, in a reasonable state of repair, have core facilities and services, provide thermal comfort, and be free of damp and mould. It has said the standard will apply from 2035, and the detailed rules are still to be made.

Already in place: since 22 June 2026, councils can fine a landlord where a rented home has a serious (category 1) hazard that it would have been reasonably practicable to remove.

Awaab's Law for private renters

The government has said it will extend Awaab's Law to private renting. That would set clear time limits, enforceable in law, for landlords to make a home safe where it has a serious hazard. The government will consult on the details, including timescales, first. No date has been set.

Warmer homes

The government plans to require private rented homes to reach the equivalent of an EPC C energy rating by 1 October 2030. It has said it needs new powers from Parliament first.

Rent increase challenges

The government has said the Valuation Office will take over decisions on challenges to rent increases. Until that happens, renters challenge an increase at the First-tier Tribunal.

Find out more

• Renters' Rights Act roadmap (GOV.UK)
• Stronger protections and greater confidence for renters, 9 September 2026 (GOV.UK)
• Get ready to register (GOV.UK Housing Hub)
• The new Decent Homes Standard: policy statement (GOV.UK)
• Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes: government response (GOV.UK)
• Renters' Rights Act 2025 (legislation.gov.uk)