# Renters' Rights Act Timeline 2026–2028

> Section 21 abolished on 1 May 2026, written terms by 31 May 2026, database registration from December 2026 to November 2027, the Ombudsman expected in 2028.

- Canonical URL: https://landlordregister.uk/renters-rights-act-timeline/
- Source: [MHCLG, Renters' Rights Act 2025 implementation roadmap](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renters-rights-act-2025-implementation-roadmap/implementing-the-renters-rights-act-2025-our-roadmap-for-reforming-the-private-rented-sector)
- Checked: 2026-10-26
- Structured data: https://landlordregister.uk/data/renters-rights-act-timeline.json

## Dates for landlords

| Date | Change | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 May 2026 | Section 21 abolished; all tenancies periodic; rent rises once a year by section 13 notice; bans on rental bidding and more than a month's rent in advance; right to request a pet; maximum civil penalty £40,000 | in force |
| 31 May 2026 | Existing verbal tenancies needed a written summary of terms | passed |
| 15 December 2026 | Landlord database opens; first regional window (West Midlands) | planned |
| 14 March to 14 November 2027 | Regional registration deadlines | planned |
| 2028 | Landlord Ombudsman membership expected to become mandatory; fee to be confirmed | expected |
| 2035 | Decent Homes Standard applies to private rented homes | policy statement |

Source: the government's implementation roadmap, last updated 20 October 2026 ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renters-rights-act-2025-implementation-roadmap/implementing-the-renters-rights-act-2025-our-roadmap-for-reforming-the-private-rented-sector)), and the Decent Homes Standard policy statement ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-a-reformed-decent-homes-standard-for-social-and-privately-rented-homes/outcome/the-new-decent-homes-standard-policy-statement)).

## What the database changes in practice

- Before marketing a property, you'll need active entries and must show the ID numbers in written adverts.
- Before seeking possession on most grounds, you'll need to be registered.
- Every year, you'll renew each property entry and keep certificates up to date.

## Still to be confirmed

Awaab's Law timetable for private rented homes, the Ombudsman's fee and administrator, and the final version of the database regulations. We update this page when each is published.

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