2026 has been a year of regulatory changes for landlords thanks to the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, with its biggest changes taking effect on May 1, including the end of fixed-term tenancies and abolition of no-fault evictions under section 21.
Six months on, more changes are coming this quarter, so staying on top of your evolving legal responsibilities is essential as a landlord.
Updated Right to Rent checks
Since the beginning of October, Right to Rent checks have been updated. The new Home Office guidance applies to right to rent checks conducted since 1 October and includes updates to the requirements for where a digital verification service provider (DVSP) is used, including mandating the use of registered providers when conducting digital right to rent checks.
The expanded role of DVSPs, including the types of checks and technology that can be used for a digital right to rent check, have also been clarified.
The lists of acceptable documents have been updated, including provision for digital versions of documents that can be verified by a landlord.
Other changes include the removal of content relating to Service Providers from Switzerland (SPS) following closure of the route on 31 December 2025 and updates to reflect changes to immigration documentation, including the move away from visa vignettes from 1 July 2026 and increased use of eVisas to evidence immigration status.
Another section to have been clarified relates to EEA citizens and their family members, including how they can evidence their right to rent and signposting to the online service, Certificates of Application and the Landlord Checking Service where relevant.
An annex relating to Ukrainian nationals has also now been removed, since right to rent checks now apply consistently across nationalities.
Finally, the changes include a usability revamp of the guidance, as well as instructions on how landlords and letting agents can sign up to receive communications from the Home Office with updates to the Right to Rent Scheme.
The launch of the Private Rented Sector Database
Another looming change is the beginning of the rollout of the new Private Rented Sector Database, included in the next phase of the RRA, which the government has dubbed ‘a new and simple register your rental property service’.
The scheme aims to make it easier for councils to access the information they need to spot and take action against rogue landlords by requiring mandatory landlord registration. Information to be provided includes details about the landlord and the property, as well as rent.
The rollout begins on 15 December in the West Midlands, then expands to additional regions on the 15th of each month. The next region will be the East of England (and will therefore include Peterborough) on 15 January.
Once an area has been called forward to register, landlords have three months to sign up and all properties must be registered by 14 November 2027. A £65 annual fee will be payable per property and the registration must be renewed each year. The registration is a legal requirement, with landlords facing a fine if they fail to comply.
We Can Help
At Progressive Lets, we are experts in the rental market in the Peterborough area and help landlords find and manage properties within a 50-mile radius. We are also an HMO specialist. Get in touch to find out more.
