Renters' Rights Act 2025 — England-wide obligations from 1 May 2026
- Section 21 abolished — possession via Section 8 only with a statutory ground
- Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreement required for all new tenancies from 1 May 2026
- Awaab's Law in force — mandatory response, investigation, and repair timeframes
- Information Sheet must be served on all existing tenants by 31 May 2026
- Pet request right — respond in writing within 42 days
- Civil penalties up to £40,000 per offence
- Rent increase via Section 13 Form 4A only
Gloucester City Council selective licensing
Gloucester City Council operates selective licensing in designated wards of the city, covering standard private lets as well as HMOs. Check the council's interactive licensing map with your property postcode before letting. Operating without a required licence carries a civil penalty of up to £30,000 and rent repayment order exposure of up to 12 months' rent. Mandatory HMO licensing also applies for 5+ occupant properties.
Awaab's Law and Gloucester's housing stock
Inner-city Gloucester wards (particularly Barton and Tredworth) include pre-1919 terraced housing with elevated damp and mould risk. Acknowledge all reports in writing, investigate within 14 days for non-emergency hazards, and repair at root cause. Selective licence inspections are an opportunity to proactively identify and remediate damp before Awaab's Law timeframes are triggered.
Sources
This guide is accurate as at 31 May 2026. It is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.