With six weeks to go before the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect, the government has published a document outlining key tenancy changes that must be shared with tenants.
Agents and landlords are required to provide this information to tenants by 31 May 2026. The guidance covers topics including the end of Section 21 evictions, the shift to rolling tenancies, rent increase protections, and other changes under the new law.
The document – The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 – is intended to give tenants practical advice on how the changes affect their agreements, including rights to keep pets and other tenancy protections. Millions of renters across England will receive this information ahead of the Act’s implementation on 1 May.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, commented: “As we approach the implementation of the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act this May, it is essential that all elements of the new legislation are communicated clearly, consistently, and at the appropriate time between letting agents, landlords, and tenants, in line with UK government expectations.
“With the publication of the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, letting agents across England will be required to ensure that all tenants named on a tenancy agreement receive this information, regardless of whether the landlord has provided it. Failure to provide each tenant with the Information Sheet by 31 May 2026 could result in fines of up to £7,000.
“The Information Sheet must be provided either as a physical hard copy or electronically, such as via email. It is important to note that simply sharing a web link to the information sheet will not meet the required communication standards. Letting agents should also maintain comprehensive records of all communications to support any potential complaints or future audit requirements.
“Propertymark will continue to provide resources and guidance to members to support them, which they can access via our website.”
Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act is a major step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords, giving us greater security in our homes.
“Ahead of the new law coming into action, it’s vital renters take the time to understand what these new rights are and how to respond if landlords break the rules.”
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, added: “We welcome publication of the material needed to ensure landlords are fully prepared for the Renters’ Rights Act. It will provide vital assurance and clarity about what they need to do next.
“With just six weeks to go until the biggest changes to the rental sector in a generation, it is important that landlords work with their tenants now to ensure a seamless change to the new systems coming into force from 1st May.”
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026:
This guidance covers changes affecting assured and assured shorthold tenancies in the private rented sector. Social housing tenants and lodgers are generally not affected.
Landlords cannot override these rules in tenancy agreements. The changes apply automatically, even if agreements are not updated, and landlords must provide written tenancy information to tenants by 31 May 2026 if none exists.
Key changes:
- Fixed-term tenancies: From 1 May, fixed-term end dates are removed. All tenancies automatically become rolling (periodic) agreements.
- Assured Shorthold Tenancies: These will be abolished and replaced by Assured Periodic Tenancies, with no impact on existing occupancy.
- Rent increases: Existing rent review clauses cannot be used. Rent can only be increased once per year using Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988, with at least 2 months’ written notice and capped at open market rates.
- Evictions: Section 21 “no-fault” evictions are no longer permitted. Landlords must provide a valid legal reason (grounds for possession) to seek eviction, following proper notice procedures. Some grounds, such as landlord sale or moving in, cannot be used during the first 12 months.
- Ending a tenancy: Tenants can end their tenancy by giving at least 2 months’ written notice.
- Keeping pets: Tenants can request permission to keep pets. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse and must respond in writing.
Tenants can access free legal advice through the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service before court proceedings. Full details and guidance are available on GOV.UK.
To view The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026, click here.
Read the orginal article: https://propertyindustryeye.com/agents-urged-to-act-before-renters-rights-cut-off-what-you-need-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=agents-urged-to-act-before-renters-rights-cut-off-what-you-need-to-know
