Getting ready to move in - a checklist: the position in 2026
Getting ready to move into a new tenancy involves careful planning and preparation to ensure that both you and your landlord are on the same page regarding property condition, responsibilities, and legal requirements. As of 2026, tenants must adhere to a stricter set of regulations laid out by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025), ensuring greater transparency and protection for both parties. This checklist is designed to guide you through the process step-by-step.
The importance of this checklist can't be overstated, as it helps prevent disputes over property condition, maintenance issues, and other potential problems that can arise during your tenancy. By following these steps, tenants can ensure they're fully prepared and aware of their rights before moving into a new home.
What the law says
Under UK legislation, several statutes govern the responsibilities and rights of both tenants and landlords when preparing to move in. The Housing Act 1988 (sections 8, 13, and 21) outlines important provisions related to tenancy agreements, notice periods, and grounds for eviction. Additionally, the Housing Act 2004 (Sections 213-215) provides tenants with a framework for addressing disrepair and safety issues in their rental properties.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11) sets out landlords' responsibilities to maintain habitable conditions. The Deregulation Act 2015 (section 33) amended the notice periods required for both Section 21 and Section 8 notices, making it easier for landlords to initiate eviction proceedings but also providing tenants with clear timelines.
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 banned letting agents from charging certain fees to tenants. Such as administration charges or tenancy agreement renewal costs. This act aims to reduce the financial burden on tenants by limiting additional expenses beyond rent and deposits. Understanding these statutes is important for both parties involved in a rental agreement to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 changes this
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025) significantly altered the situation of private tenancies. At Getting ready to move in - a checklist, introducing several key provisions that affect tenants and landlords alike. One major change is the abolition of Section 21 notices. Which previously allowed landlords to serve notice without a specific reason other than six months' rent being paid. Under RRA 2025, periodic tenancies begin from day one, meaning tenants are no longer required to wait for their initial fixed-term agreement to expire before transitioning to an open-ended arrangement.
The act also imposes annual rent caps based on Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988, preventing landlords from increasing rents beyond a reasonable limit. Additionally, the Decent Homes Standard has been extended to cover private rented sector (PRS) properties, ensuring that all rental homes meet minimum standards for safety and quality.
Awaab's Law, which originally applied only to social housing tenants, now extends its protections to those in the PRS as well. This ensures that tenants have recourse if their living conditions fall below acceptable levels of habitability or safety. a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman has been established to mediate disputes and enforce compliance with rental regulations.
The act also mandates that private landlords register their properties on a central database managed by the PRS Database organisation, promoting transparency and accountability within the sector. These changes collectively aim to create a more balanced and fair environment for both tenants and landlords in 2026.
What this means for tenants
For tenants moving into a new property post-2025, understanding your rights under RRA 2025 is important. You may be entitled to a periodic tenancy from day one of your agreement, rather than waiting until the end of a fixed term to transition to an open-ended arrangement. This shift provides greater stability and flexibility for tenants.
Annual rent caps based on Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988 ensure that landlords can't arbitrarily increase rents beyond what's considered reasonable in your local area. This helps protect you from sudden financial pressures caused by unjustified rent hikes.
The extension of Awaab's Law to private renters means you have additional protections against substandard living conditions. If your home doesn't meet the Decent Homes Standard, which includes requirements for safety and quality, you may be entitled to request repairs or other remedial actions from your landlord.
These changes are expected to improve tenant welfare by providing more strong legal safeguards against unfair practices such as unjustified evictions and excessive rent increases. At Getting ready to move in - a checklist, however, it's important to check with a solicitor or Shelter for specific guidance on how these provisions apply in your situation.
What this means for landlords
Landlords must comply with the new regulations introduced by RRA 2025, which include stricter rules around notice periods and rent increases. Under the act, periodic tenancies automatically start from day one of a new agreement, meaning landlords can't serve a Section 21 notice without cause until after six months' rent has been paid.
Annual rent caps based on local market conditions prevent unscrupulous practices such as sudden and unjustified rent hikes. Landlords are expected to adhere to these limits or risk legal action from tenants who feel they have been overcharged unfairly.
The extension of Awaab's Law means landlords must ensure that rental properties meet the Decent Homes Standard, which covers both safety and quality criteria. Failure to do so can result in complaints being escalated through formal channels like the PRS Ombudsman or Housing Ombudsman services.
Registering your property on the PRS Database is now mandatory, providing transparency for tenants who wish to verify compliance with rental standards before signing a contract. These changes collectively aim at building a more equitable and regulated environment within the private rented sector, ensuring that both parties are aware of their obligations and rights.
Common scenarios
- Tenant Moving In Post-RRA 2025: Jane signs a new tenancy agreement in March 2026 for an apartment with no initial fixed term specified. As per RRA 2025, her tenancy automatically converts to a periodic arrangement from day one. If the landlord attempts to increase rent beyond the annual cap set by Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988, Jane can report this to environmental health or the PRS Ombudsman.
- At Getting ready to move in - a checklist, Disrepair Issues Before Moving In: Mark is about to move into a new flat and notices significant mould growth in one corner of his bedroom during the inventory check. He informs the landlord that these conditions don't meet Awaab's Law standards for a decent home. If repairs aren't made promptly, Mark may escalate complaints through formal channels like the Housing Ombudsman.
- Unjustified Eviction Notice: Sarah receives a Section 21 notice from her landlord in January 2026 requesting she vacate by March due to alleged rent arrears which she disputes. Given RRA 2025 abolished ungrounded Section 21 notices, Sarah can challenge the eviction through legal means such as seeking mediation with the PRS Ombudsman or filing a claim at a First-Tier Tribunal.
Evidence tenants should keep
When preparing to move into a new rental property, it's important for tenants to gather and retain specific documents and evidence that may be necessary if disputes arise later. This includes:
- A full inventory checklist signed by both tenant and landlord detailing the condition of all fixtures and fittings at the start of tenancy.
- Copies of the tenancy agreement outlining terms such as rent amount, deposit details, notice periods, and responsibilities for repairs or maintenance.
- Emails or letters exchanged with the landlord regarding property issues like mould growth, pest infestations, or broken appliances that need repair.
Photographs of any visible damage or defects noted during the inventory walk-through are also important. Keeping detailed records of dates when you reported problems to your landlord along with subsequent responses helps establish a clear timeline for addressing these concerns. By maintaining thorough documentation, tenants can better protect themselves in case disputes arise over property conditions or other issues during their tenancy.
What to do if things go wrong
If issues arise while preparing to move into a new rental property, there are several steps you can take to address the situation effectively:
- Complaint Letter: First and foremost, write an official complaint letter to your landlord outlining any problems such as disrepair or discrepancies in the inventory checklist. Provide specific details about what needs addressing along with photographic evidence where applicable.
- At Getting ready to move in - a checklist, Council Environmental Health: If issues persist without resolution from your landlord, consider contacting local council environmental health officers who can inspect the property and determine whether it complies with legal standards for safety and habitability under Awaab's Law or other relevant legislation.
- Deposit Scheme Dispute: Should disputes over damage to the property arise at the end of a tenancy, tenants may need to utilise deposit protection schemes mandated by law (such as TDS) to resolve disagreements amicably through mediation services offered by these bodies.
- Housing Ombudsman: For broader issues related to landlord compliance with RRA 2025 provisions or other housing laws, submitting a complaint to the Housing Ombudsman can help mediate disputes and provide guidance on next steps.
- PRS Ombudsman: Given the new PRS Database registration requirement under RRA 2025, tenants have recourse through this dedicated ombudsman service for resolving complaints regarding compliance with regulations governing private rental properties.
- First-Tier Tribunal (FTT): If informal resolutions fail to resolve disputes, filing an application at a First-Tier Tribunal allows tenants to seek legal redress against unfair practices or breaches of housing law by landlords.
- County Court: As a last resort, pursuing legal action through county court may be necessary for resolving serious issues such as unjustified evictions or significant rent increases that violate tenant protections established under RRA 2025.
Each step in this escalation path provides tenants with increasing levels of support and enforcement power to resolve disputes effectively while protecting their rights according to UK housing laws.
Common mistakes to avoid
Both tenants and landlords often make common errors when preparing for a new tenancy that can lead to misunderstandings or legal complications later on. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for:
- Neglecting Inventory Checks: Failing to conduct thorough inventory checks at the beginning of a tenancy leaves both parties vulnerable to disputes over property condition and damage claims.
- At Getting ready to move in - a checklist, Ignoring Legal Requirements: Landlords who don't comply with new regulations like annual rent caps or registration on the PRS Database risk facing penalties or tenant complaints that could escalate into formal investigations by authorities.
- Underestimating Deposit Protection: Failing to properly safeguard deposits via approved schemes can leave tenants vulnerable if disagreements over property damage arise at lease end, potentially causing delays in receiving their refund.
- Overlooking Disrepair Issues: Tenants who neglect reporting disrepair issues early may find themselves facing more significant problems later on, impacting habitability and comfort of the living space.
- Misunderstanding Notice Periods: Both tenants and landlords must be clear about legal requirements for notice periods under RRA 2025 (e.g., Section 21 abolition) to avoid wrongful evictions or unjustified rent increases.
- Failing to Keep Documentation: Inadequate record-keeping can hinder resolution of disputes over property condition, disrepair claims, or other issues that arise during the tenancy period.
Avoiding these common mistakes ensures smoother transitions into new rental agreements and better protection for both tenants' rights and landlords' responsibilities under UK housing laws post-RRA 2025 implementation.
Where to get help
For additional support dealing with the complexities of moving into a new rental property, several organisations can provide valuable assistance:
- Shelter: Offers full advice on tenant rights, landlord obligations, dispute resolution processes, and legal resources through their website and helpline.
- Citizens Advice: Provides free, impartial guidance via local branches or online platforms for resolving issues related to tenancy agreements, property conditions, disrepair claims, and other housing concerns.
- Local Council Housing Team: Contact your council's housing department for information on environmental health inspections, anti-social behaviour policies, and specific regulations governing private rentals in your area.
- Housing Solicitors: Consulting with legal professionals who specialise in tenant rights can offer personalised advice tailored to your unique situation and help deal with complex disputes or negotiations effectively.
Legal aid may also be available through government-funded schemes for those facing significant housing issues that require formal representation, ensuring fair access to justice regardless of financial means.