Renters’ Rights Act: What Letting Agents Need to Do Now
The Renters’ Rights Act will bring in significant changes to the private rented sector from the 1st May 2026, when phase 1 of the Act commences.
Letting Agents will play a central role in advising landlords, implementing any changes into practices, and ensuring ongoing compliance across managed properties.
Key Changes Affecting Letting Agents
The new legislation introduces wide-ranging reforms that will impact agency processes including:
- Transition from Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) to Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs)
- Abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions, with Section 8 being the only legal route to regain possession
- Restrictions on rent increases, ban on rental bidding, increased tenant protections against discrimination, and rights to keep a pet
- Mandatory provision of prescribed government information for existing tenancies
What This Means for Your Agency
Letting Agents must ensure that from 1st May:
- All tenancy agreements are updated to the new tenancy structure
- Landlords are informed of their new legal obligations
- Internal processes reflect the new changes
- Compliance procedures are reviewed and strengthened
Failure to adapt may expose both agents and landlords to financial penalties and regulatory action.
New Tenancy Structure
We are currently undertaking an extensive review of our portfolio of ASTs, and these will be updated once the government has issued the relevant statutory instrument in relation to required written statements required for the new tenancy structure. The templates will be updated for use from 1st May 2026. In the meantime, you may continue to download and use the comprehensive range of AST templates available.
Letting Agency Terms and Conditions
The Letting Agency Terms and Conditions and appointment forms will be updated for use from 1st May 2026. Agents may continue to use the existing templates until then.
Information for Landlords on New Changes
Letting agents should download the Renters’ Rights Act: Key Changes for Landlords and provide this to landlords to inform them of the upcoming changes.
New Compliance Requirements for Property Listings
The Act, alongside updated consumer protection legislation, introduces stricter rules around property listings. Non-compliance may result in financial penalties of up to £7,000, with further enforcement action possible.
Agents should refer to the Newsletter on Landlord Advertising Compliance Guidance and Checklist which includes links to new guidance and checklists for use.
Mandatory Information for Existing Tenancies
A key requirement under the reforms is the provision of the official “Renters’ Rights Information Sheet” to existing tenants by 31st May 2026. Failure to meet this deadline may result in enforcement action.
Agents should refer to the Newsletter RRA Information Sheet Deadline and Landlord Compliance for full details of the requirements and a link to new templates to assist with compliance.
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The contents of this Newsletter are for reference purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Independent legal advice should be sought in relation to any specific legal matter.