A New Era for the Private Rented Sector

The Queen’s Speech on December 19th, 2019, announced the government's intention to bring forward a Renters’ Reform Bill to create a "fairer and more effective rental market".

The Government announced its intention to reform the private rented sector in England, signalling the beginning of what would become one of the most significant changes to housing law in a generation. What followed was a long period of consultation, policy development, political change, draft legislation, parliamentary scrutiny, and sector-wide preparation. 

Now, 2,325 days later those reforms have moved from proposal to reality.

With the commencement of Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 starting today - 1st May 2026, the private rented sector enters a new legal and operational landscape. 

This is more than legislative change. It is a complete shift in operational practice. For landlords and letting agents alike, success under the new regime will depend not simply on understanding the law, but on adapting systems, processes, documentation, and decision-making to meet a more regulated and increasingly scrutinised framework.

After 6 years, 4 months, the new era has begun.