Renters Rights Act landlords EPC guide: dates, duties and what is still to come
The Renters Rights Act landlords EPC picture has two parts. The Act changes how you let, and the EPC rules change what you must upgrade. Phase 1 began on 1 May 2026. This guide gives each date with its status and shows where the two sets of rules meet. Checked 21 October 2026.
Published 21 October 2026. Last updated: 21 October 2026. Reviewed by Yasir Khan, Retrofit Coordinator at LAMTANS Engineering.
Law status, checked 21 October 2026: Phase 1 is in force. Later phases are planned, with dates marked below. The EPC C by 2030 rule is confirmed government policy, not yet law.
Renters Rights Act phases and their status
The government set out a phased plan in its roadmap, published on 13 November 2025. This table shows where each phase stands.
| Date | What happens | Status at 21 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 27 December 2025 | Council enforcement powers take effect | Date set in the roadmap, now passed |
| 1 May 2026 | Phase 1: new tenancy system, Section 21 ended | In force |
| 15 December 2026 | Registration service launches, starting in the West Midlands | Announced by GOV.UK, not yet started |
| 14 November 2027 | Deadline for all actively letting landlords to be registered | Announced by GOV.UK |
| 2028 | Landlord Ombudsman membership expected to become mandatory | Planned, not confirmed |
| 2035 or 2037 | Decent Homes Standard for private rentals | Proposed, timeline not confirmed |
| To be set | Awaab's Law extended to private rentals | Government says it will extend it; timescales to be consulted on |
| 1 October 2030 | EPC C or equivalent for private rentals | Confirmed government policy, not yet law |
Sources are listed at the end. The roadmap says the database is subject to the will of Parliament, so dates can move.
Renters Rights Act phase 1: what changed on 1 May 2026
Phase 1 applies to new and existing tenancies. The main changes for landlords are:
- Section 21 abolished. Assured periodic tenancies became the norm.
- Rent rises once a year, using the revised section 13 process and at least two months' notice.
- Rental bidding banned. No more than one month's rent in advance.
- Discrimination against renters with children or on benefits is illegal.
- Pet requests must be considered within an initial 28 days.
Tenants can end a tenancy with two months' notice. The full duty list is in our landlord compliance checklist.
Information for tenants
For tenancies created on or after 1 May 2026 you must give tenants certain information in writing. For older tenancies the government set a deadline of 31 May 2026 to give the Information Sheet. That deadline has now passed.
Landlord registration database: what is known
GOV.UK says the registration service starts on 15 December 2026 in the West Midlands, with other areas called forward over 12 months. Each region gets a three-month window. All actively letting landlords must be registered by 14 November 2027.
The roadmap says each entry is expected to include landlord details, property details and gas, electrical and EPC safety information. The annual fee had not been confirmed in the sources we read. We found no North West date.
Why the database matters for EPCs
Keep your EPC, gas and electrical certificates in one file per property. You will likely need them to register. The database is separate from the PRS Exemptions Register for EPC exemptions, so do not confuse the two.
Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law in private rentals
Both are still ahead. The government consulted on starting the Decent Homes Standard in either 2035 or 2037 and has not confirmed the date. Treat this as proposed.
The government has said it will extend Awaab's Law to private rentals, with timescales to be consulted on. Damp, mould and insulation work are closely linked, so see our damp, mould and ventilation page.
Possession and the Landlord Ombudsman
With Section 21 gone, you need a valid Section 8 ground to regain possession. The government extended the grounds for anti-social behaviour and serious persistent rent arrears. Students, charities and some other landlords have extra steps. Read the government's guidance before you serve a notice.
The Ombudsman scheme is planned in stages. The government expects membership to become mandatory in 2028, with landlords funding it through a charge still to be confirmed.
What to do now
Use this short list for every property.
- Check each tenancy started or was updated in line with the Act.
- Put all certificates in one file, including the EPC.
- Diary 14 November 2027 as the latest registration date, and watch for your region's window.
- Start the EPC plan now. See how to improve an EPC rating.
How the Renters Rights Act meets the EPC rules
The two sets of rules run on separate tracks, but they affect each other in practice.
- The EPC C rule is policy for 1 October 2030, with legislation targeted for 2027. Read the EPC C 2030 guide.
- The cost cap and exemptions are covered in our cost cap guide.
- Works need tenant access. Under periodic tenancies, tenants can stay as long as they wish, so plan access with them early.
- Council enforcement powers are growing, so keep dated proof of every certificate.
Our adviser tip, from a Retrofit Coordinator: book insulation surveys at the start of a new tenancy, when you are already giving written information. Tenants are most open to access then, and you start the cap record straight away.
Who we are
Compliant Lets is a trading name of LAMTANS Holdings Ltd. Retrofit work is delivered by LAMTANS Engineering Ltd. Check the registers yourself: TrustMark, RECC, ICO, Gas Safe Register and Simply Certification.
Book a free retrofit assessment
Sources
- GOV.UK: Implementing the Renters' Rights Act 2025, our roadmap, checked 21 October 2026
- GOV.UK: Stronger protections and greater confidence for renters, 9 September 2026, checked 21 October 2026
- MHCLG: Renters' Rights Act landlord checklist, checked 21 October 2026
- GOV.UK: Tenancy deposit protection, checked 21 October 2026
- GOV.UK: Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes, government response, checked 21 October 2026
Designed & developed by LAMTANS Technologies LLC, USA — part of the LAMTANS Group
Frequently asked questions
When did the Renters Rights Act start?
Phase 1 started on 1 May 2026. It ended Section 21 evictions and brought in assured periodic tenancies, with changes to rent rises, bidding and pets.
Does the Act change the EPC rules?
No. EPC C by 1 October 2030 is separate confirmed policy, not yet law. The 2015 minimum of EPC E still applies today.
When must I register on the landlord database?
GOV.UK says the service launches on 15 December 2026 in the West Midlands, and all actively letting landlords must be registered by 14 November 2027. We found no North West date.
Has Section 21 really ended?
Yes. Phase 1 ended Section 21 no-fault evictions from 1 May 2026 for private rentals in England.
Will the Decent Homes Standard apply to my rentals?
It is planned for private rentals, but the date is not confirmed. The government consulted on 2035 or 2037. Treat it as proposed.
Does Awaab's Law apply to private landlords yet?
Not yet. The government has said it will extend it to private rentals, with timescales to be consulted on later.
Do I need to give existing tenants anything?
The deadline for the government Information Sheet or a written summary was 31 May 2026. If you missed it, check the current guidance on GOV.UK and act now.