The Law Society library considers which sections of the Renters’ Rights Act are in force, following its royal assent
Which sections of the Renters’ Rights Act are in force?
We have received a few enquiries in the wake of royal assent of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. This is clearly an important topic and one that members need to be aware of. At the Law Society library, we can help provide information by using the features on the legal databases, such as Westlaw and Lexis+ to find information about the act’s commencement, as well as searching for up-to-date commentary.
One enquirer wanted to know if sections 6 and 7 of the act are in force. Both Westlaw and Lexis+ employ a traffic-light system to show the status of each section. These sections are shown as partially in force on Westlaw, with the commencement information for each section reading “(for the purpose of making regulations; not yet in force otherwise)”.
There is no specific date indicated for when the remainder of the sections (i.e. for remaining purposes other than to make regulation underneath it) will come into force. The databases state that this is to “be appointed” in accordance with section 145(1). Section145(1) is in force and states: “This act comes into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint, subject to subsections (2) to (6).”
Therefore, while we do not know exactly when the rest of the act will come into force, we were able to use the legal databases to give the enquirer accurate and up-to-date legislative information.
We have also received an enquiry about commentary on the Renters’ Rights Act now that it is law. While it could take some time for printed sources to be updated, we were able to find articles and press releases. These included The Law Society’s press release, and commentary on the bill before it became law; for example, a practice note on Lexis+: Renters’ Rights Bill — key provisions [archived] (which is now Renters’ Rights Act 2025 — key provisions).
More commentary will continue to be published on this act, and we can help property lawyers stay up to date with the latest information with our research enquiry service and access to our vast collections.
The Law Society library is now offering bitesize legal research training. Access 30-minute, one-to-one legal research sessions tailored to your needs, available every Wednesday afternoon, in person, in the library or online. You will receive an overview of legal databases, the scope of our resources and how to effectively search for case law, legislation, commentary and precedents. This can include in depth legislation training using features such as commencement information, point in time research and using references.
