Are you ready for Part 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act?

The second phase of Renters’ Rights Act provisions is set to come into force in late 2026. What operational changes should letting agents get ready for?

The PRS database

The next step in the scheduled implementation of RRA reform is the regional rollout of the PRS Database, to which all private landlords in England will have to sign up and pay an annual fee. They will also need to provide data about each of their properties, which is expected to include:

• Their contact details, including contact details for any joint landlords

• Property details including address, type of property, number of bedrooms, number of households or residents, whether it is furnished or unfurnished, and occupancy status

• The property’s Gas Safety Certificate, Electrical Installation Condition Report and Energy Performance Certificate

However, the list of required information won’t be finalised until it is set out in secondary legislation. We also don’t know how much landlords will have to pay to be on the database. All the government has committed to so far is a fee that’s fair and proportionate.

Public access to the database will follow once there is clarity on the above issues.

Private Rented Sector Ombudsman

The other big reform scheduled for phase 2 is the introduction of a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman scheme. This will act as a single redress scheme for tenants that all landlords in England will also have to join.

However, it will be some time before the new service is live. The only developments set to happen in 2026 is the appointment of a scheme administrator to run the new service, and landlords aren’t expected to have to join until 2028.

Other reforms incoming

Agencies have other regulation changes outside the Renters’ Rights Act to prepare for as well.  

While new Making Tax Digital rules already came into force in April, the qualifying gross income threshold will drop significantly from April 2027 – from £50,000 to £30,000. A lot of smaller landlords will be pulled into the new system for the first time, and they’ll have to start preparing well before April.

In helping landlords navigate the new tax rules, letting agents can unlock a new revenue opportunity. Join our webinar next month to find out more.