News for landlords
What’s changing for landlords
The changes that affect private landlords in England, in plain English. Each one says whether it’s law yet, when it starts, and what to do.
Every article checked against the law; latest check 12 October 2026.
Coming up
Changes on the way, soonest first. Some are already law with a start date; some are still draft or only planned, and each says which.
-
Registering as a landlord: what it involves and what it costs
Register yourself, then each let home. The government says it's £65 a home each year. You'll renew yearly and update within 28 days. Still in draft.
For: Private landlords in England with a home that is let
-
The new landlord register opens region by region
England's landlord register is planned to open on 15 December 2026, one region a month. The last deadline is 14 November 2027. The rules are still in draft.
For: Private landlords in England with a home that is let
-
A new ombudsman for tenants of private landlords, expected in 2028
The government plans to make private landlords join a new complaints ombudsman, expected in 2028. The first rules are made; joining isn't required yet.
For: Private landlords in England with assured or regulated tenancies
-
Energy rating C by 2030: a plan, not yet the law
The government plans to require an energy rating of C for homes you let from 1 October 2030. It isn't law yet. Today's legal minimum is still E.
For: Private landlords in England (the plan also covers Wales)
Already changed
Law now, most recent first.
-
Right to rent checks: the updated code from 1 October 2026
A new Home Office code for right to rent checks took effect on 1 October 2026. It mainly changes digital checks. The fines are the same.
For: Every private landlord in England, including those with lodgers and tenants who sublet
-
The tenancy rules that changed on 1 May 2026
Since 1 May 2026, private tenancies in England have new rules on adverts, rent up front, written terms and ending a tenancy.
For: Private landlords in England, and letting agents acting for them
-
Electrical safety: the maximum fine is now £40,000
Since 1 November 2025, councils can fine a private landlord up to £40,000 for breaking the electrical safety rules, up from £30,000.
For: Every private landlord in England
Often misunderstood
Rules people often think apply to private landlords, and what’s actually true today.
-
Awaab's Law: it doesn't apply to private landlords yet
Awaab's Law sets repair deadlines for social landlords only. The government is asking until 18 December 2026 how to extend it to private landlords.
For: Social landlords now; private landlords not yet