Renters’ Rights Act 2025 commencement No. 2 — implications for landlords under UK health and safety law

Renters’ Rights Act 2025 commencement No. 2 and transitional provisions: implications for landlords under UK health and safety law

What has changed

The Regulations are the second set of commencement regulations under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and bring into force provisions of the Act. They also introduce transitional and saving provisions to manage the phased implementation. The change aligns housing standards with modern regulatory expectations and strengthens the framework for safety and compliance in rented accommodation.

Why this matters

Bringing provisions into effect creates new or updated duties for landlords and letting agents, with potential implications for risk management, property compliance and governance. The transitional provisions help organisations plan and avoid disruption, ensuring safe housing and clear accountability under UK health and safety law.

Key duties for landlords and property managers

The Regulations lay the groundwork for phased duties under the 2025 Act. While the exact scope will be set out in the implementing regulations and guidance, organisations should expect changes to governance around tenancy safety standards, hazard identification and reporting, and tenancy compliance monitoring as the provisions are brought into force.

Enforcement and sanctions

Enforcement arrangements and any sanctions will be set out in related provisions and guidance as the Act is implemented. Organisations should monitor updates from the relevant housing regulators and HSE for specifics, and plan for alignment with existing health and safety regimes.

Steps to achieve compliance

Review tenancy policies to reflect new duties; update risk assessments and safety procedures for rented premises; ensure safe access, fire safety and other hazard controls are included in tenancy management. Engage tenants in discussions about safety expectations and reporting routes. Update contractor arrangements to clarify roles and responsibilities. Consider integrating the change into your health and safety management system such as ISO 45001 health and safety management and seek competent person support via Competent Person support. For ongoing assessment this is complemented by health and safety risk assessments.

Key steps

• Map new duties to your current policies and procedures
• Update risk assessments to reflect new requirements for rented properties
• Train staff and managers on new expectations and reporting requirements
• Engage with tenants and contractors to ensure clear lines of responsibility
• Align governance with an ISO 45001 framework

In summary, the second wave of commencement provisions for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 requires timely action by landlords and property managers to align housing safety duties with UK health and safety law. Proactive planning will reduce disruption and support safe, compliant housing operations.