The Renters’ Rights Act Is Now in Force: What It Really Means for Landlords & Tenants
The Renters’ Rights Act has officially arrived; bringing with it one of the most significant reforms to the private rental sector in a generation. This is not just a legislative update. It is a structural shift in how residential lettings operate in the UK.
Whether you are a landlord, tenant, or agent, here are the changes that matter most:
Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) Abolished
All tenancies are now periodic by default. Fixed terms are no longer the standard, giving tenants greater flexibility and security of tenure.
Renters Rights Information Sheet / Written Statement
You must give this Information Sheet if the tenancy:
- is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy
- was created before 1 May 2026
- has a wholly or partly written record of terms (including a written tenancy agreement)
You must give this Information Sheet by 31 May 2026, or you could be fined up to £7,000.
A copy must be given to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement.
If you have a tenancy based entirely on a verbal agreement, that was made before 1 May 2026, then you cannot give this Information Sheet.
You must provide certain written information about key terms of the tenancy instead.
Tenant Notice Periods – 2 Months, Anytime
Tenants can now serve two months’ notice at any stage of the tenancy.
For landlords, regaining possession is no longer discretionary; you must rely on specific legal grounds, each with its own notice requirements.
Section 21 Abolished
‘No-fault’ evictions are gone. All possession claims must now fall under revised Section 8 grounds, making compliance, evidence, and process critical.
Rent Increases – Limited & Regulated
Rent can only be increased once per year, Must be served via the Section 13 process, Requires a minimum of two months’ notice
Tenants can formally challenge increases
End of Rental Bidding Wars
Landlords and agents must advertise a clear asking rent and cannot encourage or accept offers above this level; bringing more transparency to the market.
Pets & Tenant Rights Strengthened
Tenants now have the right to request a pet, and landlords must not unreasonably refuse.
There are also stronger protections against discrimination for those with children or in receipt of benefits.
New Ombudsman & Property Portal (Part of phase 2 expected later this year)
All landlords will be required to:
Join a new private rented sector ombudsman
Register on a national property portal
This introduces greater accountability and transparency across the sector.
What This Means in Practice
For Landlords: Operating a rental property now requires a much higher level of professionalism and structure. From compliance to rent setting and possession strategy, everything must be evidenced and defensible.
For Tenants:
You benefit from greater security, fairness, and clarity, with stronger rights and more predictable processes.
For Letting Agents:
This is a pivotal shift. The role of the agent is evolving into a compliance-led, advisory-driven service, supporting landlords through increasingly complex regulation.
Our View
The Renters’ Rights Act is about balance, raising standards while reshaping expectations on both sides of the tenancy, but with that comes complexity.
Those who understand the detail will thrive. Those who do not risk falling behind.
If you are unsure how these changes affect your property or want to ensure you are fully compliant and positioned correctly in this new landscape, now is the time to act.
The market has not just changed. It has matured.
Feel free to give our team a call to discuss any concerns that you may have on (01761) 412 300 - Paulton office and (01749) 672 678 - Wells office or email lettings@allen-residential.co.uk
