Spotlight on Renters' Rights Act: the first six months

Learn what has changed in the private rented sector six months into the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026. Six months on, this spotlight event looks at the areas of housing and homelessness practice the Act has changed most.

The event is presented by Isabel Jones and Ewa Brem, trainers at Shelter for Professionals.

What this event covers

This event will cover:

• how the Act has affected the transition from prevention to relief duties, including the changes to section 175 Housing Act 1996

• the private landlord database, what landlords must do and the sanctions for non-compliance

• what makes a section 8 notice invalid, including the changes to tenancy deposit protection rules from 1 May 2026

• local authority enforcement powers under the Act, with a focus on civil penalties

What you'll learn

By the end of this event, you will be able to:

• apply the definition of threatened with homelessness in section 175 Housing Act 1996

• explain how the private landlord database works and what it requires of landlords

• assess whether a section 8 notice is valid

• understand local authority duties and powers in relation to civil penalties under the Act

Who this event is for

This session is for people working in local authorities, housing associations and frontline support roles.

You'll need a basic working knowledge of housing law and homelessness to get the most from this session.