The first phase of reforms within the Renters’ Rights Act will take effect from May 1, 2026.

Making the announcement, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said from this date all new and existing private tenancies in England will move to the new system.

Phase one will focus solely on tenancy reform, particularly the abolition of Section 21s, reform of section 8, a ban on rental bidding, the end of fixed term tenancies and the right for tenants to request a pet.

Phase two, likely to be the introduction of a Landlord Ombudsman and a new private rental sector (PRS) database, looks likely to be brought in late next year and phase three, focusing on the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law coming much later after a consultation period.

The news has been welcomed by Sheldon Bosley Knight’s lettings director, Rebecca Dean who said landlord and tenants would finally get clarity on what was happening and when.

However she warned the government would need to sort out the backlog in the court system urgently if the Act was to be a success.

She said: “We have been in suspense waiting for an implementation date since the Renters’ Rights Act became law on October 27 and so I am pleased to see a date for the first phase of the reforms has now been set.

“With the implementation date being May 1, 2026, it’s a relief we have been given the grace period we were initially promised to be able to prepare our business, staff and our clients.

“At Sheldon Bosley Knight, we have already put a lot into the preparation of what’s to come which includes consistently keeping our landlords well informed of any new information and what the changes will look like.

“I am looking forward to sharing the latest information with a room full of current and potential landlords at Sheldon Bosley Knight’s Landlord and Investor evening next Tuesday, November 18, an event which is not one to be missed!”