London is home to over 450,000 private landlords and 1.1 million private rented households. In 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (in force 1 May 2026) and borough-level selective licensing combine to create a complex compliance environment for London PRS landlords.
Key 2026 obligations
- Section 21 abolished — use Section 8 with a statutory ground for all possession
- All new tenancies must use a Periodic Assured Tenancy (PAT) Agreement
- Information Sheet must be served on all existing tenants by 31 May 2026
- Civil penalties for non-compliance: up to £40,000 per offence
- Rent increases via Section 13 Form 4A only — contractual review clauses unenforceable
- Selective licensing active in 15+ London boroughs — check borough council before letting
- Awaab's Law: mandatory repair timeframes for damp, mould, and HHSRS hazards
- MEES: minimum EPC E rating required for all new lettings; EPC C expected in near future
See the full guide at /landlord-london-compliance-2026 for borough-by-borough licensing detail, Right to Rent obligations, and SDLT/tax compliance notes for London landlords.