Date published: 18^th November 2025

Significant changes are underway in the rental sector following Royal Assent of the Renters’ Rights Act. An implementation timetable for tenure reform has now been published, and this interim update provides Members with key information on how the National Codes are evolving in response, and some important instructions on how to renew their current membership.

This update covers:

• The roadmap to the Renters’ Rights Act
• Introduction of the revised Non-Educational Code
• Strategic review of the National Codes

Roadmap to the Renters’ Rights Act and Awaiting Implementation

The Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, with a timeline for implementation published on 13 November, confirming that tenure reform will be introduced on 1 May 2026.

During the final stages of the Bill’s passage, the Government confirmed key amendments exempting Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) from tenure changes. These exemptions were approved and are expected to take effect upon implementation on 1 May 2026. This date will have significant implications for Members and their tenants, and the National Codes will provide some further detailed information about what this means for current and future tenancies in due course.

Transition Period

As previously communicated to Members, the transitional period between the current legal framework and the new tenure arrangements introduced by the Act will require careful navigation. The National Code will continue to provide summary briefings to support Members, but it is strongly recommended that Members seek independent legal advice tailored to their individual circumstances.

A summary of the transitional phase is available on the National Code website (July 2025):
The Renters’ Rights Act – The Transitional Phase

Two legal briefings were held in September 2025 for Members, led by Hilary Crook (Solicitor – Hatch Legal), offering detailed insights into the transition and practical preparation steps. Further Member briefings will be scheduled once the implementation date is confirmed.

Introduction of the 2026 Code for Non-Educational Providers

Review and Launch of the Revised Code

In response to the Renters’ Rights Act, the existing Code for Non-Educational Providers has been reviewed. A revised version has been submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for consideration and Government approval.

A summary of the proposed changes is available here:
Changes to the Non-Educational Code – A Summary

The new Code is scheduled to launch in alignment with the implementation of the Act on 1 May 2026.

Extension of Current Membership

The current membership period concludes on 31 December 2025. Under normal circumstances, providers would be invited to reaffirm their commitment to the Code for a further three-year term. However, the forthcoming introduction of the revised Non-Educational Code in 2026 necessitates a different approach.

Existing Members will shortly be contacted to confirm their agreement to extend their current membership until the revised Code is available for formal adoption. Timely responses will be essential to ensure continuity of membership beyond 31 December 2025.

Once the revised Code has government approval and is ready to publish, Members will be invited to join the new Code. Further instructions will be provided in due course.

A New Strategic Direction for the National Codes

Adapting to a Changing Rental Landscape

The Renters’ Rights Act represents a transformative moment for the private rented sector, introducing enhanced tenant rights and new obligations for landlords. The exemption granted to National Code Members is a significant and unique advantage, not extended to other private rented sector landlords.

In explaining this exemption, the Government expressed strong support for the National Codes. During a House of Lords debate on 2 July 2025, Baroness Taylor stated:

“…we have exempted purpose-built student accommodation from the assured tenancy system due to its unique business model. Often, PBSA cannot be let to non-students due to its location or the services it provides alongside accommodation. We have also exempted this sector from the protections of the assured tenancy system because we are satisfied that the Unipol codes of management practice provide an alternative route to ensuring that tenancies are at a high standard.

To maintain this recognition and continue to meet the evolving expectations of landlords in the Act, the National Codes must uphold and enhance their approach and processes. This is particularly important as the Codes have seen a significant number of recent new applications for membership.

Moving Forward

This is a timely opportunity to develop a new strategic direction that reflects the changing landscape and reinforces the Codes’ role in supporting high standards in PBSA.

The National Codes Consortium and Committee of Management have agreed to initiate a strategic and governance review, commencing in late 2025. The recent review of the Non-Educational Code marks the first step in this process. The broader review will focus on four key priority areas:

• Governance
• Member training
• Communication
• Verification

Also under consideration will be the enabling infrastructure of the Codes, and its ability to adapt to the increased demands of new members and students.

Member and stakeholder input will be integral to shaping the new strategy, and a Steering Group will be formed to comment on the work of these four streams, with the aim of finalising the strategy by summer 2026. Further details on how to participate will be shared with Members shortly.

For any queries about this update, please contact:
Simon Kemp
National Codes Administrator
[email protected]