Renters' Rights Act investigatory powers can be used from 27 December
The first Renters’ Rights Act changes commence on 27 December 2025. Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) will have stronger rights to investigate whether a landlord or letting agent has breached certain housing laws. Read on to find out what's happening.
From the 27th December Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) will have stronger rights to investigate whether a landlord or letting agent has breached certain housing laws. Here's the headlines of what LHA's can do that we feel landlords and tenants should know.
Asking a “relevant person” for information
Anyone who has acted as a landlord, agent, licensor, marketer, or held an interest in the property in the last 12 months can be asked to provide information to an LHA.
The request must be in writing, state it is under Section 114 of the Act, explain the consequences of non-compliance, and specify the format the information should be supplied in, by when, and to whom. Failure to respond (without a reasonable excuse) or providing false or misleading information can result in a fine.
Asking any person or organisation for information
When the LHA reasonably suspects a breach, they can ask any person or organisation to provide information under Section 115. If the person doesn’t comply, the LHA can apply to a court for an order compelling them to do so.
Entry to business premises
Under Sections 118/120 of the Act, LHAs can enter business premises, either by giving the occupier 24 hours written notice for a routine inspection or via a warrant, if notice would defeat the purpose or entry was refused. They are entitled to take photographs or recordings and can require the production of documents relevant to the business. If they believe the documents are evidence, they can seize them.
Entry to residential premises
Under Section 126 of the Act, an LHA can enter a privately rented home to investigate suspected breaches by either giving the occupant 24 hours written notice or with a warrant.
Client Money Protection
The Act empowers LHAs to investigate whether an agent belongs to a recognised CMP scheme as part of compliance checking.
Using information from tax, benefits, and deposit schemes
Housing Benefit, Council Tax, and tenancy deposit scheme data can be used by LHAs to investigate certain issues, including multiple claims to Housing Benefit from the same address, overcrowding, and whether the property is rented or licenced.
✨ What This Means
You don’t need to take any action right now. These updates simply help understand what’s coming. The other parts of the legislation will be introduced in stages, with further details on commencement and regulations still to follow.
If you have any questions about the Renters’ Rights Act or your tenancy, we’re always here to help.
📍 M&M Estate Agents, Gravesend, DA12 1AH
📞 01474 321957
📧 lettings@mandmprop.co.uk