Investment Advice

In light of the new regulations, landlords should be aware of these important dates

In light of the new regulations, landlords should be aware of these important dates
It's not just the Renters' Rights Act that landlords should be aware of

These are the important dates that landlords must note in their calendars.

Even though landlords have just finished getting ready for the new rental reforms that were implemented in May, there are still many deadlines to be mindful of in 2026, and noncompliance could result in fines of up to £40,000.

In recent years, the buy-to-let industry has experienced a number of upheavals, including increased stamp duty fees, the termination of mortgage interest relief, and modifications to capital gains allowances.

The Renters Rights Act, which ended no-fault evictions and increased tenancy flexibility, was introduced last month, marking the most recent reform.

The deadline for landlords to give tenants an information sheet about the changes was the end of May.

Current Videos From IMG However, that is only the start; landlords still need to get ready for additional changes, and failing to do so could result in steep fines.

"While there isn't another significant deadline related to the new Renters Rights Act that you need to consider this year, there are many ongoing goals you should be taking into account each month to meet future regulations and avoid additional fines," stated Jack Malnick, managing director of the real estate information website Landlord Resource."

Landlords should be aware of these additional significant rental dates and deadlines.

The final court date for section 21 notices is July 31, 2026.

Eviction notices under sections 21 and 8 that were filed prior to the Renters Rights Act will expire if they are not filed in court by this date.

Regional launch of the Private Rented Sector database in late 2026.

As part of the next phase of the rental reforms, the government's Private Rented Sector (PRS) database is scheduled to launch later this year. It will be implemented in various regions gradually.

On an area-by-area basis, landlords will have to register their properties, themselves, and their compliance status.

2027: The PRS database becomes essential.

At some point in 2027, landlords will be required to be listed in the PRS database; however, no specific date has been provided.

Tenants should find it easier to identify their landlord as a result.

New Landlord Ombudsman at the end of 2028.

Before they can even list a property for rent by the end of 2028, landlords will need to be on the PRS database and members of a new Landlord Ombudsman.

A civil fine of up to 7,000 or a repeat fine of up to 40,000 could result from failing to register with the new PRS Database and ombudsman.

1 October 2030: Modifications to EPC.

At the moment, a property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E in order for landlords to rent it out.

Starting on October 1, 2030, this will increase to C, giving landlords four years to begin investigating energy-saving options.

Decent Homes Standard, 2035.

In 2035, the complete Decent Homes Standard will be implemented.

According to the standard, properties must be free of hazards, in a reasonable state of repair, have reasonable amenities like a kitchen and bathroom, and be free of mold and moisture.

If a landlord's rental properties are found to fall short of the Decent Homes Standard, they may be fined up to £30,000.