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Key Dates for Landlords in 2026

by: Jacky Squire

January 13, 2026

2026 is set to be a major year for landlords, with significant changes affecting tenancies, possession rights and tax reporting. With the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force and new tax rules being introduced, preparation will be key.

To help you stay compliant and avoid last-minute stress, we’ve outlined the most important dates for landlords in 2026 — and what you should be doing ahead of each one.

31 January 2026 – Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline

This is the deadline for:

  • Online submission of your Self Assessment Tax Return

  • Payment of any tax owed for the 2024/25 tax year

What landlords should do:
Ensure your rental income and allowable expenses are fully recorded and submitted on time to avoid penalties and interest charges.

March 2026 – Renters’ Rights Act Information Released

In March, the government will publish the official Renters’ Rights Act information that landlords must provide to tenants.

What landlords should do:

  • Familiarise yourself with the new guidance

  • Prepare to issue the required information to all tenants within the specified timeframe

  • Speak to your managing agent if you’re unsure how this will be handled

6 April 2026 – Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Begins

From this date, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax starts for landlords who meet the criteria.

This means:

  • Digital record-keeping

  • Quarterly submissions of income and expenses to HMRC

What landlords should do:
Check whether you are affected and ensure you have compatible software in place well before the first submission deadline.

30 April 2026 – Last Day to Serve a Section 21 Notice

This is a critical date. After 30 April 2026, landlords will no longer be able to serve a Section 21 “no-fault” eviction notice.

What landlords should do:
If you believe you may need to regain possession using Section 21, you must ensure the notice is:

  • Served correctly

  • Fully compliant

  • Issued on or before 30 April 2026

1 May 2026 – Renters’ Rights Act Comes into Force

From this date, phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act officially takes effect.

Key changes include:

  • The end of Section 21 notices

  • Fundamental changes to how tenancies operate

  • New rules around possession and tenant rights

What landlords should do:
Review your tenancy agreements, policies and procedures to ensure they align with the new legislation.

31 May 2026 – Deadline to Issue Renters’ Rights Act Information to Tenants

Landlords must provide tenants with the required Renters’ Rights Act information by this date.

What landlords should do:
Ensure all existing tenants have received the correct documentation. Failure to do so may impact your ability to manage or regain possession of your property.

31 July 2026 – Final Deadline for Section 21 Court Proceedings

This is the absolute final deadline for court possession proceedings using a Section 21 notice — only if the notice was served before 30 April 2026.

What landlords should do:
If you have already served a Section 21 notice, ensure court action is started before this date or you may lose the right to rely on it.

7 August 2026 – First MTD Quarterly Submission Due

For landlords affected by Making Tax Digital, this is the deadline for the first quarterly submission of income and expenses.

What landlords should do:
Be ready with:

  • Up-to-date digital records

  • Accurate income and expense reporting

  • Approved MTD software

Late 2026 – Phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act

Later in 2026, Phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act is expected to introduce:

  • A Private Rented Sector Database

  • Mandatory Landlords Ombudsman registration

What landlords should do:
Although exact dates are still to be confirmed, landlords should prepare for additional registration and compliance requirements.

Final Thoughts

2026 represents one of the biggest shifts the private rented sector has seen in years. Staying informed, planning ahead and seeking professional advice where needed will be essential.

If you have questions about how these changes affect your property or tenancy, or would like support preparing for the Renters’ Rights Act, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’re here to help.

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