By Emily Ransome-Farmer MTPI AssocRICS, Head of Property Management at Watsons Property
What Landlords Should Be Doing Now
Following the release of the government’s Renters’ Rights Act 2025 timeline and implementation dates roadmap, getting organised now will make the transition far smoother. We outline the key steps every landlord should be thinking about, and lay out how we can support you along the way.
Many landlords are understandably feeling uncertain about what the next steps will mean for them. Big changes are coming, from the end of Section 21 to new registration requirements, stricter standards and clearer tenant rights, and it’s only natural to have questions. We have pulled together a checklist for you to download and guide you from the outset.
Alongside our downloadable landlord checklist, the summary below breaks down each key action in more detail and shows how we can support you at every stage:
Landlord Actions & How We Can Help – Summary Table
| Step | What Landlords Should Do | How Watsons Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Review Existing Tenancies | Check all current tenancy agreements. Identify fixed-term tenancies and when they end, understand how they’ll convert to periodic, and consider whether any of the new Section 8 grounds might apply. The aim is simply to know exactly where you stand before the changes take effect. | We can review your tenancy paperwork, highlight likely impacts and provide recommendations tailored to your property and tenants. |
| 2. Update Your Documentation | Make sure all lettings documents reflect the new rules. This includes the replacement of the AST Agreement (Assured Shorthold Tenancy) templates with new APT Agreement (Assured Periodic Tenancy), renewal packs, rent review procedures, removal of any Section 21 references, and the guidance you provide to tenants. Using old paperwork risks confusion and potential non-compliance. | We’ll provide updated, compliant templates for all managed properties and ensure you’re working with the latest documentation. |
| 3. Prepare for the PRS Database | Start gathering the information you’ll need for the new national Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database: proof of ownership, accurate property details, EPC, gas safety, EICR and alarm certificates, plus a reliable way to keep records up to date. Being ready now will make registration much easier once the portal opens. | Registration on the PRS Database remains the landlord’s responsibility; however, we are here to support and guide you through the process. We can assist by explaining the information required, help you identify which documents you already hold, and advising on any additional steps needed to ensure your records are complete and up to date. Should you have questions at any stage, our team will be available to provide guidance and support to help make the registration process as straightforward as possible. |
| 4. Plan for the Ombudsman Scheme | Prepare to join the new government-approved landlord redress scheme. This will apply to all landlords, including accidental landlords, and will come with membership costs and responsibilities. It ensures tenants have access to an independent route for complaints. | As your letting agent, we already operate within formal complaints frameworks and can guide you through the requirements or incorporate ombudsman membership into your management service once launched. |
| 5. Communicate With Tenants | Explain clearly what the reforms mean for your tenants: how rent reviews will work, any changes to notice periods, how pet requests will be handled under the new rules, and what the shift to periodic tenancies will involve. Clear communication helps avoid confusion and reassures tenants. | We can handle all tenant communication on your behalf, ensuring everyone receives clear, accurate and consistent information. |
| 6. Review Property Standards Early | Look ahead to tighter standards around property condition, especially damp and mould, ventilation, insulation and heat loss, and overall safety and repair levels. Tackling known issues now reduces the risk of rushed, costly work when future deadlines are announced. | Our inspections and maintenance teams can assess your property, flag potential compliance risks and support you with repairs or upgrades. Please note that additional charges may apply for this work. |
In Summary:
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 brings big changes, but not overnight. Landlords now have a clear roadmap (you can view this using the button above) and have plenty of time to prepare. By reviewing your tenancies, updating documentation and getting organised ahead of the PRS database and ombudsman requirements, you will be in an excellent position when the new rules go live.
And if you don’t want the stress of navigating it alone, that’s exactly what we are here for. Our expert team can guide you through every step, from documentation and compliance to tenant communication and long-term planning.
Contact Our Team
Our property management specialists are here to protect your property investments and support you through these ongoing changes. Get in touch today to discover more about our award-winning services and how we can help you.
Lettings Team
18 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0TA
📞 Phone: 01603 751555
✉️ Email: letting@watsons-property.co.uk
