Several changes start this autumn, and more follow over the winter and into spring 2027. Here is what is changing, when, and what to do now — for landlords in England and Scotland, employers, and anyone thinking about inheritance tax.
This is a round-up of changes we have already covered in our guides. Each section links to the full guide. It is general information, not legal advice — check GOV.UK, gov.scot or a professional adviser before acting.
From 1 October 2026, the time limit for bringing most employment tribunal claims — including unfair dismissal and discrimination — increases from three months to six months. This is one of the Employment Rights Act 2025 changes.
For employers, the practical effect is that claims stay live for longer. Keep dismissal, grievance and disciplinary records safely for at least that longer window, and make sure the paperwork for any recent dismissal shows a fair reason and a fair process.
Read more: Employment Rights Act 2025 guide.
Two Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 changes take effect on 6 October 2026 for private residential tenancies.
A wrongful termination order is made when the First-tier Tribunal finds that a landlord misled a tenant into leaving — for example, by relying on an intention to sell and then re-letting. For tenancies ending on or after 6 October 2026, the order can be between 3 and 36 times the monthly rent (or £840 if higher). Before, the maximum was 6 months’ rent. For a property let at £650 a month, the maximum rises from £3,900 to £30,240.
If you use one of the landlord’s-needs grounds (such as selling, moving in or refurbishing), keep evidence that you genuinely intend to carry out the plan.
The qualifying period for a family member, partner or carer to take over a tenancy when the tenant dies falls from 12 months to 6 months, for tenant deaths on or after 6 October 2026. The successor must have lived in the property as their only or main home throughout that period.
Read more: Scottish PRT guide 2026 and Housing (Scotland) Act 2025: what landlords must do.
The Private Rented Sector Landlord Database, created by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, is being rolled out region by region from 15 December 2026, starting with the West Midlands, and running to August 2027. Each region gets a 3-month window to register. Check GOV.UK for the date that applies to your area.
Penalties for failing to register are up to £7,000, rising to up to £40,000 (or prosecution) for repeat or continuing breaches or false information. Unregistered landlords will generally not be able to use most possession grounds.
Read more: PRS Landlord Database guide.
Employers will have to give workers a written statement that they have the right to join a trade union. The start date is expected in January 2027, with the exact date and content to be set by regulations. Existing workers are expected to receive it by 5 April 2027. There is no small employer exemption, and it applies to all workers, not just employees.
A worker cannot bring a stand-alone claim for a missing statement, but if they win another tribunal claim, the tribunal can award an extra 2 to 4 weeks’ pay.
Read more: January 2027: telling workers about their right to join a trade union.
From 1 January 2027, the qualifying period for ordinary unfair dismissal is due to fall from 2 years to 6 months. An employee dismissed after six months’ service will be able to bring a claim, so every dismissal from that point needs a fair reason and a fair procedure.
Now is the time to review probation periods and make sure review meetings, warnings and outcomes are written down. Combined with the longer tribunal time limit from 1 October, poor records will be harder to put right later.
Read more: January 2027: what employers must do now.
From 6 April 2027, under the Finance Act 2026, unused defined contribution pension funds — including SIPPs, personal pensions and workplace DC schemes, and unused drawdown funds — will be included in the estate for inheritance tax. Death-in-service benefits paid from registered pension schemes are excluded, and the State Pension is not part of the estate.
For families, this can mean an estate that was below the inheritance tax threshold is now above it. Review your will, your pension nomination (expression of wishes) forms and any lasting powers of attorney together.
Read more: Pension IHT 2027 guide and Inheritance Tax 2026 guide.
We will update our guides and templates as the regulations and commencement dates are confirmed.
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