Audit Property Adverts, Referencing Processes and Notices
Almost six months after Phase 1 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 came into force, enforcement is no longer a future concern. An agent has been fined for breaching the Act and councils across England are now publishing their enforcement policies, setting out exactly what they will be looking for and what breaches will cost landlords and letting agents.
For letting agents, the message is clear, a routine slip - error - omission - repeated across dozens of tenancies, for example, property details, a referencing question that has not been reviewed or a notice template that pre-dates 1st May 2026.
The Importance of 1st May 2026
When the Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent, the key point of discussion was when Secondary Legislation would be implemented - June 2026 was a clear favourite, however, civil servants opted for 1st May 2026. Whilst it is too late to change anything now, May is one of the shortest months in the calendar.
The Renters’ Rights Act has put in place some significant time frames for landlords and letting agents when Time will be of the Essence. The government will publish the Information Sheet and the Written Statement of Terms in March 2026 which landlords must not only familiarise themselves with, but also adhere to some strict time frames. From the 1st May 2026 landlords must serve the Information Sheet on all existing tenants and guarantors. The deadline to ensure they have complied is 31st May 2026, however, May is a very short month. There are 31 calendar days, 5 weekends totalling 10 weekend days.
Final Stages of Renters’ Rights Bill Announced
Government announces the next stages of the Renters’ Rights Bill.
The following time-frames illustrate what may happen:-
1–15 July 2025 – House of Lords Report Stage & 3rd Reading
Three days of debate scheduled. Amendments under discussion.
15–22 July 2025 – Limited Window Before Recess
There are only seven days between the final Lords debate and the Commons summer recess. Will Royal Assent be granted before 22nd July 2025?
Preparing for the Future – Strategic Training on the Renters’ Rights Bill
The landscape of the private rented sector is on the brink of significant transformation with the imminent introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill. As a professional letting agent, ensuring compliance, maintaining operational efficiency, and staying ahead of regulatory changes is crucial for business longevity and reputation.
At the Guild of Letting & Management, we understand the complexities of legislative reform and the direct impact it has on your business. That’s why we have developed a suite of specialised training, strategic planning services, and membership benefits tailored specifically for letting agents.
Our goal is simple – to equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to thrive in the evolving rental market.