Landlords, letting agents and tenants are being urged to prepare for major changes to the private rented sector as the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect on 1 May 2026.
The Act introduces a new, modern tenancy system designed to give tenants greater security and fairness, while setting clear expectations for landlords. Key changes include the end of Section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions, new measures to stop rental bidding and rental discrimination, and limits on the amount of rent in advance that landlords can request.
The Government has set out clear requirements for landlords, depending on when tenancies began.
For tenancies that started before 1 May 2026, landlords must provide their tenants with the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026. This is a legal requirement and must be completed on time. The information sheet can be accessed here: The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 and can be issued now.
For tenancies starting on or after 1 May 2026, landlords must provide tenants with specific information about their tenancy in writing. This information can be included within a tenancy agreement.
To support landlords in preparing updated agreements, the government has published guidance setting out what must be included.
Further reforms will follow in later phases, including the introduction of a national Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database, where landlords will be required to register their properties, and a new PRS Ombudsman to help resolve disputes and raise standards across the sector.
Councillor Graham Bell, Lead Member for Housing, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act marks a major shift in how renting works across England. By making sure tenants receive the right information and preparing early, landlords can help ensure the move to the new system is smooth and straightforward when the rules come into force.”
Landlords can access the official information sheet and view the full implementation timeline through the Government’s implementation roadmap at: gov.uk/government/publications/renters-rights-act-2025-implementation-roadmap