The major changes that form the backbone of the Renters’ Rights Act come into force within weeks as the May 1 commencement date gets ever closer. But are you and your tenants ready for the change?
The Renters’ Rights Act defines a new private rented sector, marked most significantly by the end of fixed-term tenancies, the abolishment of no-fault section 21 evictions and changes to how rents can be increased. It’s vital that both parties understand the implications.
Understanding the requirements of the newly published information sheet
If you haven’t already familiarised yourself with the government’s Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, it’s essential you do now. The newly published document (it finally went online on 20 March) has been produced by the government for tenants and explains how their tenancy may be affected by changes that come into effect from May 1 (as well as those already in force after the act was passed last year).
The information sheet must be given to the tenant if the tenancy is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy, was created before 1 May 2026 and has a wholly or partly written record of terms (including a written tenancy agreement).
It’s essential to provide the sheet promptly, by the end of May at the latest, or you could face a fine of up to £7,000. There are also strict government guidelines to follow regarding how it’s provided.
1) If you are a landlord but have a letting agent managing the property for you then the agent must provide the information sheet, even if you have, too.
2) You must give a copy to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement.
3) The sheet is only valid when downloaded from the government’s webpage and given in the exact PDF provided.
4) It can be printed out and sent by post or given by hand, or sent as a PDF electronically, such as via an email or text message. However, if you just provide a link to the PDF rather than attach the actual PDF it won’t be valid.
The benefit of the information sheet is that you don’t have to change or re-issue existing written tenancy agreements since the information sheet supersedes them. However, if the tenancy agreement is based entirely on a verbal agreement made before 1 May, then you need to provide written information about the tenancy instead, before the end of May.
Get familiar with revised possession grounds
After May 1, you can only evict a tenant for a legal reason. This could be late rent payment (although rent arrears times before eviction have also increased), anti-social behaviour, or if you want to sell the property or move back in. There are different requirements and timescales for each and a section 8 notice seeking possession and using the relevant grounds – which must be evidenced – must be provided.
Review rent increase processes
Rent review clauses will become void after 1 May. Instead, rent can only be increased via a Section 13 notice, using Form 4A with at least two months’ notice, increased only once a year and in-line with the open market rate.
Although these are the main changes, there are many more, so ensuring you are ready for implementation is vital.
For more information on how we can assist you on your lettings journey, please contact one of our branches in Essex, London or Hertfordshire today. We also offer a free and instant online valuation to give you an idea of how much your home could be worth on the current market.
