When the Renters' Rights Act received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, it marked the most significant reform of the private rented sector in decades. Much of the industry's attention focused on the abolition of Section 21, changes to possession grounds and the introduction of periodic tenancies. However, an equally significant aspect of the legislation is now beginning to emerge: enforcement. 

According to Zoe Turner, Property Litigation Solicitor specialising in Landlord and Tenant law at Woodstock Legal Services, local authority enforcement activity under the Renters' Rights Act is gathering pace far sooner than many landlords and letting agents anticipated. 

Whilst much of the industry has been focused on these legislative milestones, Zoe believes the real story lies in how quickly local authorities are beginning to use their enforcement powers

Early Signs of Increased Renters' Rights Act Enforcement 

Over recent months, Zoe has spoken with several local authorities regarding their preparations for the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act. 

A number have confirmed that they have recruited additional Housing Enforcement Officers in anticipation of the new regime. Some authorities have indicated that these roles are currently being funded through existing budgets, with the expectation that future enforcement activity and financial penalties will contribute towards funding those teams in subsequent years. 

Although enforcement was widely expected, the speed with which it is now developing has come as something of a surprise. 

Over the past two weeks alone, Zoe has acted for several clients who have received formal requests for information from local authority Housing Enforcement Teams. 

Those requests have included both Section 16D Housing Act 1988 requisitions for information and Section 114 Notices under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 requiring information from a "relevant person". 

What Is a Section 114 Notice Under the Renters' Rights Act? 

Section 114 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 gives authorised officers of local housing authorities the power to require information from a "relevant person" where that information is required in connection with the authority's housing enforcement functions. 

The definition of a relevant person is broad. 

It can include any individual or organisation that has, within the previous twelve months: 

• held an interest in the property; 
• acted on behalf of the landlord; 
• licensed the property; or 
• marketed the property for the purposes of creating a residential tenancy. 

This means that landlords are not the only parties who may receive these notices. Depending on the circumstances, letting agents, managing agents and other parties involved in the letting process may also fall within the definition. 

What Information Are Local Authorities Requesting? 

One recent Section 114 Notice reviewed by Zoe required the recipient to provide: 

• tenancy agreements active from 1 May 2026; 
• identification for owners and managers; 
• evidence of rent collection; 
• Electrical Installation Condition Reports; 
• Gas Safety Certificates; and 
• proof that the Government's Renters' Rights Information Sheet had been served on the tenant. 

In particular, Zoe has noted that local authorities are requesting documentary evidence confirming that the Government's Renters' Rights Information Sheet was served on tenants by 31 May 2026, together with evidence demonstrating when and how service took place. 

For many landlords, this is likely to become a key area of Renters' Rights Act compliance. 

Government guidance makes clear that where the Information Sheet has not been served within the required timeframe, landlords or agents should provide it as soon as possible and retain evidence of service. 

Failure to Comply with a Section 114 Notice 

The Section 114 Notices reviewed by Zoe require the requested information to be provided within 14 days. 

Section 131 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 makes it an offence, without reasonable excuse, to fail to comply with a properly issued notice. The Act also creates offences where false or misleading information is knowingly or recklessly provided. 

These notices should therefore be treated seriously and responded to within the specified timescale. 

Conversations With Local Authorities on Enforcement Priorities 

During recent discussions with the Head of Housing at one of London's largest local authorities, Zoe was advised that Renters' Rights Act enforcement activity is expected to extend beyond landlords alone. 

The authority advised that, where appropriate, consideration may also be given to landlords, letting agents and other relevant persons who receive a financial interest from the tenancy. 

Encouragingly, Zoe was also told that the local authority intended to adopt a balanced and proportionate approach, working with landlords who are genuinely seeking to comply with the legislation rather than immediately resorting to punitive enforcement. 

Nevertheless, the volume of recent information requests suggests that local authorities are already beginning to exercise the investigative powers available to them. 

Perhaps the greatest surprise has been the speed at which these requests have started to arrive. Whilst many anticipated that enforcement activity would increase over time, the first wave appears to have arrived much sooner than expected. 

Preparing for Increased Renters' Rights Act Scrutiny 

The Renters' Rights Act is no longer simply a legislative reform on the horizon. 

The early stages of enforcement have begun. 

Zoe advises landlords, letting agents and property professionals to ensure they are able to produce, at short notice: 

• tenancy agreements; 
• safety certificates; 
• rent records; 
• evidence that prescribed documents have been served; and 
• documentary proof that the Government's Renters' Rights Information Sheet has been provided to tenants where required. 

Good record-keeping has always been an important part of property management. Under the Renters' Rights Act, the ability to demonstrate compliance may prove just as important as compliance itself. 

For landlords and agents, the message is simple: now is the time to review procedures, ensure records are complete and be prepared for Renters' Rights Act enforcement. The enforcement wave has begun. 

If you need advice on Renters’ Rights Act 2025 compliance or have received a Section 114 Notice, then get in touch with Zoe Turner via z.turner@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk or by completing the form below.