If you’re a landlord in the UK, you should be familiar with the new changes in the private rented sector. In this blog, we’re letting you know what landlords must do now that the Renters’ Rights Act is in full force.
The Act came into force on 1st of May, and landlords are legally required to follow the new legislation, otherwise, you can face fines of up to £40,000 from local councils.
Essential actions to take
These actions should be completed by 31st May 2026, in order for you and your property setup to remain legally sound.
Deliver the Information Sheet
The Information Sheet outlines everything that tenants need to know about the new changes as a result of the Act. It is an official government document that must be supplied through a hard, printed copy or a PDF attachment via text message or email. This Information Sheet should not be provided as a link.
Failing to serve the Information Sheet on time could lead to civil penalties of up to £7000.
Verify all compliance paperwork
As a landlord, it’s crucial to ensure that your property remains compliant in every way, from electricals to gas, and everything in between.
Landlords are now required to curate a digital file for each rental property they own. The file should contain up to date EPCs, gas safety information, EICR, deposit protection information and any necessary licensing information.
Formalise any verbal tenancy agreements
Any verbal agreement that you have with an existing tenant needs to be made into a written tenancy agreement that can be accessed by all parties.
Student landlords
The new rules listed under 4A mean that landlords can evict student tenants inline with the academic year. Landlords are required to formally write to tenants and make them aware that you may use the new ground 4A to evict them.
Overview of changes to rent increases and fixed term tenancies from 1st May 2026
- All Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will automatically convert to Assured Periodic Tenancies – this means existing tenancies will be known as ‘rolling contracts’.
- Landlords can no longer use Section 21 “no-fault” notices. All evictions must be via Section 8 with a specific, legal reason, such as serious rent arrears or antisocial behaviour.
- All tenants must give 2 months notice to leave the property.
- Landlords can use grounds 1A or 2A to evict tenants on the basis that they wish to sell the property. However, this cannot be used within the first 12 months of a tenancy and landlords must give 4 months notice.
- Landlords cannot accept prices any higher than the advertised rent, as this would be illegal.
- Landlords cannot ask prospective tenants for more than 1 month’s rent in advance when the tenancy begins.
- Landlords may only increase rent once in a 12 month period, and any proposed rent increase must be given with 2 months’ notice. Private tenants also face more protection from unreasonable rent increases or excessive above market rents.
- Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants who have children or access benefits.
Additional changes expected at a later date in private renting
These additional changes are expected in either late 2026 or in 2027. It’s important to start thinking about these early so you can ensure you are prepared. Great letting agents can help you prepare and ensure you fulfil your legal obligation.
- The introduction of Awaab’s Law surrounding damp, mould and general property standards
- The Decent Homes Standard will apply in the private rented sector
- The new Private Rented Sector database will be used, and private landlords will be required to have a membership under an Ombudsman scheme
Are you searching for a trusted property management company to support you through these changes? Then you should contact us. We are a nationwide letting agency with a local touch, and have been supporting landlords for many years. Check out our fully managed service.
