FREE STATUTORY AUDIT · RENTERS' RIGHTS ACT 2025 & SI 2026/324
Renters' Rights Act 2025 Compliance & Civil Penalty Risk Checker
Phase 1 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 took effect on 1 May 2026, and the transitional deadline for existing tenancies passed on 31 May 2026. Local housing authorities now enforce civil penalties of up to £7,000 for initial breaches and up to £40,000 for serious or repeat breaches (Housing Act 1988 ss.16E–16I). Answer 7 quick questions to audit your tenancy and get your exact document action plan.
Statute-aligned self-service software publishing tools mapped to the Housing Act 1988 (as amended by the Renters' Rights Act 2025), Tenant Fees Act 2019, SI 2026/324, SI 2026/354, and SI 2026/421. Operated by Ditra (established in Spain) — [email protected].
Compliance status tier
RED: Immediate Statutory Penalty Exposure
Recommended action route 3
- Missed 31 May 2026 Information Sheet (HIGH RISK). Pre-1 May 2026 written AST without the GOV.UK Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026 (Renters' Rights Act 2025 Sch 6 para 7 & Housing Act 1988 s.16I). Civil penalty exposure up to £7,000. Serve the unaltered GOV.UK sheet immediately with proof of service.
- Void rent increase route (Housing Act 1988 s.13(1) & s.13(4A)). Informal demands and contractual rent review clauses cannot compel a lawful increase after 1 May 2026. Only a valid Form 4A (SI 2026/354) creates an enforceable increase.
Common questions
When does Renters' Rights Act 2025 Phase 1 start?
Core Phase 1 private rented sector reforms for England commence on 1 May 2026, including abolition of section 21 and new written-statement duties for many tenancies.
What is the 31 May 2026 deadline under SI 2026/324?
SI 2026/324 sets a 31 May 2026 deadline to supply a compliant written statement of terms for existing oral or incomplete tenancies, with a distinct compliance track from tenancies already in writing.
What civil penalties apply under sections 16E–16I?
Local housing authorities may impose civil penalties, commonly quoted in guidance as up to £7,000 for a first breach and up to £40,000 for repeat or serious breaches of certain banned terms and statement duties.
Does the resident landlord exemption still apply?
Under Protection from Eviction Act 1977 section 3A, a resident landlord letting part of their only or main home may fall outside the usual assured tenancy regime, which changes which Renters' Rights Act duties and penalties apply.
SignWise is a self-serve document preparation service operated by Ditra (established in Spain). SignWise is not a law firm, is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), does not provide legal advice, and does not carry on reserved legal activities under the Legal Services Act 2007 (section 12 and Schedule 2, paragraph 5). You prepare your document from your answers, review it carefully, and sign it yourself. SignWise is not responsible for legal outcomes. Seek independent legal advice if you are unsure whether a document suits your property or circumstances.
Deterministic Statutory Calculation Notice (Legal Services Act 2007): This calculator applies mathematical formulas and statutory date rules from primary and secondary legislation in force in England (Housing Act 1988, Housing Act 2004, Tenant Fees Act 2019, Renters' Rights Act 2025, SI 2026/324, SI 2026/354, and SI 2026/421) directly to the figures and dates you enter. It provides general statutory information and automated mathematical outputs only. It does not constitute legal advice or a reserved legal activity under section 12 and Schedule 2, paragraph 5 of the Legal Services Act 2007. If your tenancy involves complex transitional notices served before 1 May 2026 or disputed service clauses, consult a regulated solicitor.