HAUS ESTATES

    Landlord Compliance

    The Renters' Rights Act 2026: Your Landlord Compliance Hub

    From 1st May 2026, all assured shorthold tenancies convert to periodic. Section 21 is abolished. Here's everything you need to do.

    The Act is now in effect
    May 1st
    All ASTs Convert
    £7,000
    Max Non-Compliance Fine
    4 Months
    New Notice Period
    14 Days
    Awaab's Law Investigation

    The Four Key Pillars

    Abolition of Section 21

    No-fault evictions are now illegal. All possession claims must use Section 8 with valid grounds. Landlords must prove a legitimate reason to regain possession.

    4-Month Notice Period

    Landlords wanting to sell or move into their property must give tenants 4 months' written notice under the new Grounds 1 and 1A. Cannot be served in the first 12 months.

    3-Month Rent Arrears Ground

    Mandatory ground for possession where a tenant owes at least 3 months' rent at both the time of notice and the court hearing. Previously 2 months under the old rules.

    Awaab's Law (Damp & Mould)

    Landlords must investigate hazards within 14 days of a written complaint, begin repairs within 7 days of investigation, and complete emergency repairs within 24 hours.

    Awaab's Law: The Timeline You Must Follow

    Damp & Mould: Zero Tolerance

    Following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from mould exposure, landlords now face strict legal timelines. Failure to act can result in rent repayment orders and prosecution.

    Tenant Reports Hazard

    Written complaint received — clock starts ticking.

    14 Days: Investigate

    Landlord must inspect the property and identify the cause.

    7 Days: Begin Repairs

    Remediation work must start within 7 days of investigation.

    24 Hours: Emergency

    If the hazard poses an imminent risk to health, you must act within 24 hours.

    Key Dates & Deadlines

    1 May 2026

    All existing ASTs convert to periodic tenancies. Section 21 abolished. New possession grounds take effect.

    31 May 2026

    Deadline to serve the 2026 Prescribed Information Sheet to all current tenants.

    Summer 2026

    PRS Database (Property Portal) opens for landlord registrations.

    Autumn 2026

    Mandatory Redress Scheme enrolment deadline expected.

    2027

    Decent Homes Standard enforcement begins for private rentals. Awaab's Law fully operational.

    Guru Insight

    Compliance is no longer optional — it is digitally tracked via the PRS Database. Every landlord, every property, every certificate. The government can see exactly who is and isn't compliant. The days of "hoping for the best" are over.

    Compliance Checklist

    Need help? We handle registration and legal notices for our managed properties.

    Stressed About the May 1st Changes?

    Don't risk the £7,000 non-compliance fine. Switch to our Fully Managed service today and let our experts handle your digital registration, legal notices, and ongoing compliance.