Landlords and tenants in England are being urged to prepare for the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act, which is due to come into force on 1 May 2026.
Propertymark said the legislation would bring some of the biggest changes to the private rented sector in a generation, with the new regime intended to give tenants greater security while setting clearer rules for landlords.
Among the most significant changes is the end of so-called no-fault evictions. Under the new framework, landlords will no longer be able to require tenants to leave without a valid reason.
Instead, tenants will be able to remain in a property until they decide to leave, provided they give at least two months’ notice. Fixed-term tenancy agreements will also be replaced by a rolling periodic system, in a move designed to give renters more flexibility and create clearer expectations for both sides.
POSSESSION RULES TIGHTEN
Under the new law, landlords will only be able to recover possession in specific circumstances. These include cases involving serious rent arrears, where a landlord needs to move into the property, or where there is an intention to sell.
The reforms are intended to create a more transparent system for ending tenancies, while limiting the circumstances in which tenants can be asked to leave.
NEW LIMITS AND OBLIGATIONS
The Act will also restrict rent increases to once a year, ban rental bidding and introduce stronger protections against discrimination. Local councils will be given wider powers to investigate breaches and issue fines to landlords or agents who fail to comply with the new rules.
Propertymark said there are also important transitional deadlines. Any no-fault eviction notices issued before 1 May 2026 will remain valid, but legal action must begin before 31 July 2026.
By 31 May 2026, tenants must also be given a government-issued Renters’ Rights information sheet, either in paper form or electronically. Propertymark said that providing only a link will not be sufficient.
PREPARATION NOW ESSENTIAL
With the first phase now only weeks away, landlords are being advised to review tenancy arrangements, update internal processes and make sure tenants are properly informed.
For renters, the changes are expected to bring greater stability, clearer rights and stronger protections across the private rented sector.
Propertymark said professional advice would be important for both landlords and tenants as the reforms take effect, particularly given the scale of the changes and the risk of falling foul of the new rules.
