The Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, and 1 May 2026 is the planned implementation date for the first phase of the Act’s reforms for the private sector.
To learn more about what exactly the Renters’ Rights Act changes, please read the following article and for more details about specific phases please see our previous blog – Renters Rights Act 2025 – The Countdown Begins | Nockolds.
In order to prepare for the introduction of the first phase refer to the below checklist of what you should be aware of as well as preparing now in advance of 1 May 2026.
Key changes:
- Section 21 “no fault” evictions stop on 1 May 2026. All possession claims must rely on new Section 8 grounds.
- The Section 8 grounds will expand, for example, in terms of length of notices or the grounds to obtain possession.
- Abolishment of fixed term tenancies and replacement with the rolling period tenancies. Additionally, the tenants will have a right to end the tenancy at any time by giving parties two months’ notice.
- Landlords cannot discriminate against potential tenants who are on benefits, have children or pets.
- The Decent Home Standard will be extended to private rentals which means compliance with various requirement to ensure homes are to a suitable standard for habitation.
- Introduction of Awaab’s Law which will set requirements regarding fixing issues with mould, damp, serious hazards coupled with strict timeframes
- Introduction of new regulatory bodies and systems such as Private Rented Sector Database and Private Landlord Ombudsman
- Rent increase will be allowed once a year using Section 13 notice – be aware tenants have a right to challenge the increase if they believe it is unfair
What you should be doing now
- Providing your tenants with The Renter’s’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026, which can be found on the Government website. Failure to provide this could result in a fine of up to £7,000.
- All tenancies agreed verbally will need to be ascertained into a written key terms document
- After 1 May 2026 provide all tenancies with new, written statement of terms
- Do not accept or encourage offers above advertised rent – bidding wars are banned
- Rent paid in advance is limited to maximum one month’s rent
- Make sure that any adverts are compatible with the new law
- Conduct an audit across your portfolio to make sure you keep a proper trail of due diligence and investigations into any complaints or disrepair
If you have any queries, please do contact our Property Litigation team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and we will be in touch.