There is now less than a month until the most radical changes within the Renters’ Rights Act – the end of fixed tenancies and the abolishment of section 21 evictions – come into force. But are you ready for May 1?
There are several things you can be doing to prepare for the RRA deadline, despite how close it now is.
Download, understand and give the government’s information sheet to tenants
Although you don’t have to amend existing written tenancies, you will need to update your agreement with tenants by serving them with the government’s Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, which was published in March. If you have a letting agent managing your property they must also serve a copy even if you’ve already done so.
Note that there are certain rules to follow for the sheet to be valid. For instance, you must give a copy to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement. This should be downloaded from the government’s page and given in the exact PDF provided. A physical version can be given – delivered by hand or by post – or you can send it as a PDF electronically via email or text message. However, you can’t just provide a link to the PDF. The sheet must be provided by 31 May at the latest.
Warn your tenants about the changes
Your tenants may not be aware of the imminent changes within the Renters’ Rights Act. Although the information sheet provides some detail, they may still have questions they want answered. It’s worth pointing them to the government’s guidance and tenant communication campaign, but you should also ensure you, or your agent, are available to answer any questions they may have.
Improve tenant communication
Communicating with your tenants more effectively will be key after the May 1 changes. The act gives them additional rights to stay in properties and you will have less visibility about when they might leave than in a fixed-term tenancy agreement. Ensuring an open and honest communication will help to build tenant relationships – another key aim of the changes.
Review your rent increase process
After May 1, there are several amendments to the rent increase process. Rent review clauses will become invalid. Instead, you will have to use section 13, with two months’ notice, to increase a tenant’s rent. It can only be increased to the market rate and, if they feel the increase is unfair, can be challenged by a tenant at a first-tier tribunal. Competitive rental bidding will also be prohibited, which means the price you advertise must be what you accept.
Consider your long-term plans for your property
Once no-fault evictions are abolished, you will need to provide clear, evidence-based legal grounds to regain your property. Possession grounds have been strengthened to make recovery easier in instances of poor tenant behaviour. However, if you are considering selling the property or plan for you or your family to move in, there are certain rules to bear in mind.
For instance, you must give tenants at least four months’ notice and can’t use these grounds in the first twelve months of a tenancy. You can also not relet a property after using these grounds until twelve months have passed. Considering your plans for your rental property over the next couple of years or so will be essential.
If you need help managing the changes or explaining them to your tenants, then please get in touch.
