Changes to the private rental sector – the “biggest changes to renting in history”

Coming into effect on 1st May 2026 the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has been described as one of the most significant policy reforms of the rental sector in a generation. The reforms are expected to lead to a better-regulated lettings industry, stronger tenant rights and more experienced landlords who are committed to a long-term relationship business model. There are a number of changes and deadlines for landlords to be aware of.

We start with the imminent deadlines for landlords to provide required information under the Act.

If you are a landlord entering into a new assured shorthold tenancy on or after 1st May 2026, you must make sure the tenancy agreement contains all the information listed in the Schedule to the new Written Statement and Information Sheet Regulations, set out here which come into force on that date.

If you are a landlord under an existing assured shorthold tenancy, this does not apply (unless unusually the tenancy was a wholly verbal one). Instead, you must formally serve your tenant with “The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026” produced by the Secretary of State. This document contains information about the changes made by the 2025 Act and is known as an information sheet. It is available on GOV.UK

Where the existing tenancy was wholly verbal the landlord must supply all the information listed in the new Written Statement and Information Sheet Regulations, by 31st May. There is full guidance for landlords on the GOV.UK website here.

For a breach of the above requirements, the penalty is up to £7,000 rising to £40,000 for repeat and continuing breaches.

Changes under the Act include:

· A ban on no-fault evictions.

· The end of fixed-term tenancy contracts with renters moving onto ‘rolling’ agreements.

· The end of bidding wars so tenants cannot be asked to pay more than the advertised rental price.

· Clearer rules around tenants’ pets.

Another key date to be aware of is that 31st July 2026 is the deadline to issue a claim to court for possession under Section 21, providing the Section 21 Notice has been served before the 1st May 2026.

Jonathan Haines advises landlords on possession proceedings, contact him directly to discuss j.haines@gullands.com