Renters’ Rights Act Now In Force – Phase 1 Key Changes for Landlords and Letting Agents

The first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act is now in force, introducing significant reforms to residential lettings in England. 

Landlords and letting agents must ensure they are compliant with the new legal framework which changes how tenancies are granted, managed, and brought to an end. 

Key Changes Now In Effect

End of Assured Shorthold Tenancies and new Assured Periodic Tenancies

Landlords can no longer issue new Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs). All tenancies must now be granted as Assured Periodic Tenancies. There is a selection of new APTs available for download in Residential Tenancy Agreement Templates England.  

Landlords can access updated Letter Enclosing Tenancy Documentation to Tenant and Explanatory Notes for Residential Tenants. 

For landlords of existing ASTs granted prior to 1st May 2026, you must serve a government “Information Sheet” by 31st May 2026. Please download Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet Covering Letter. 

Changes to Possession Rules (Section 8 Only)

Landlords seeking possession must now rely solely on revised Section 8 grounds, which include updated mandatory and discretionary grounds for possession. Updated Guidance notes and instructions on completing the new statutory forms can be found in Section 8 Tenancy Termination Templates.

Statutory Process for Rent Increase 

Under the Act, there are strict processes to follow in regard to rent increases. There is updated Section 13 Landlord’s Notice (Form 4A) Instructions available for download. 

Rental bidding, non-discrimination and advertising

Landlords must ensure when they are advertising their properties, they are not using discriminatory terms and provide transparency on the rent and property. The Act bans rental bidding and landlords cannot offer, encourage or accept such payments. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 has been amended in light of the new legislation. 

Landlords can download new guidance on advertising compliance, and updated guidance in Guidance Notes Landlords Residential Tenancy Compliance. 

Pets in Lets

The Act introduces new protections allowing tenants to request pets and landlords to respond to a written request within a strict timeframe. Download the updated Pet Consent Templates.

We are continuing a full review of all documentation to ensure ongoing compliance with new legislation. 

In the meantime, landlords and letting agents can now access a wide range of updated and compliant tenancy documents