New Local Authority Investigatory Powers - What Landlords and Letting Agents Need to Know
As from the 27th December 2025, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will introduce a new enforcement framework intended to improve standards across the private rented sector. At the heart of these reforms lies a set of investigatory powers being granted to local authroities in England.
Investigatory Powers
The purpose of the updated investigatory regime is to give councils the power to enforce legislation. These powers are not designed to be intrusive, they create a structured legal framework that ensures evidence is gathered lawfully, inspections are conducted professionally, and both letting agents’ and landlords’ rights are respected throughout the process.
Clarification on Mandatory Grounds 1 and 1A of the Renters’ Rights Act
The Renters’ Rights Act brings some of the biggest changes to the private rented sector for over 30 years. Among those changes are the amended Ground 1 of Section 8 and the introduction og Ground 1A. These Grounds will be relied upon if a landlord intends to sell, or where the landlord or a close family member wish to move into the property.
BREAKING NEWS - IMPLEMENTATION DATES FOR RENTERS’ RIGHTS ACT 2025 ANNOUNCED
One of the most pressing questions since the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent has been when will the legislation be implemented. Finally the government have announced that key elements of the ACT will be introduced as follows:-
New investigatory powers giving local councils a stronger ability to inspect properties, demand documents, and access third-party data to crack down on rogue landlords and enforce housing standards more effectively will come into effect on 27 December 2025.
Government guidance has been issued twice in a very short space of time and we should be mindful that local authorities will have the power to investigate whether a landlord or an agent letting out private rented housing has broken certain laws.
Time needed to get Ducks in a Row for the Renters’ Rights Act
Kristjan Byfield recently wrote a Linkedin post on the importance of the government allowing time for the lettings industry to prepare for the changes that the #rentersrightsact will bring. Kristjan is right and it’s not just lettings and property management this will affect.
The impact assessment I put together last year (visual learner) illustrates just how far reaching the Act will be. It's seismic.
Let’s start with landlords and letting agents / PMs - they will have to amend and update processes and systems related to pre, during and post tenancy.
Tenants will need to educate themselves or be signposted to these changes.
Legal firms, solicitors, barristers and the Law Commission of England and Wales will become the lynch pins for legal paperwork, advice, court claims (at some point) navigating complex areas of the Act and a comfort blanket of sorts.