Renters' Rights Act 2025 — England-wide obligations from 1 May 2026
- Section 21 abolished — all possession via Section 8 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 — once per 12 months maximum
Peterborough City Council licensing — selective, additional, and mandatory
Peterborough operates three overlapping licensing regimes: selective licensing in designated wards (covering all private rented properties); additional HMO licensing for 3–4 occupant shared properties; and mandatory national HMO licensing for 5+ occupants. Check the council's licensing portal with your postcode. Licence stacking may apply — a property can require both a selective and an HMO licence simultaneously. Active enforcement is a feature of Peterborough's housing regulation.
Awaab's Law and Peterborough's housing stock
Peterborough's Victorian terraces in central wards carry elevated damp risk. Post-war housing is at risk from cavity wall insulation failure. Acknowledge all reports in writing, investigate within 14 days, and repair at root cause. Selective licence conditions include property maintenance standards — proactive compliance reduces Awaab's Law exposure.
Sources
This guide is accurate as at 31 May 2026. It is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.