With just one month remaining until the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, Propertymark is calling on letting agents and landlords to make sure they are fully prepared and compliant with the new legal requirements.
The legislation marks one of the most significant overhauls of England’s private rented sector in a generation and will be rolled out in three phases, starting on 1 May 2026.
The first phase will see the abolition of Section 21 evictions, preventing landlords from removing tenants without a valid legal reason. Notices served before 1 May 2026 will still be valid, but any court proceedings must be started by 31 July 2026.
At the same time, all tenancies will move to a new assured periodic system, bringing an end to fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies from 1 May 2026. This change will give tenants greater security, allowing them to remain in a property indefinitely as long as they meet the terms of their agreement. Tenants will still be able to leave by providing two months’ notice.
The reforms will also introduce clearer, more tightly defined grounds for possession. Landlords will only be able to regain a property in specific circumstances, such as serious rent arrears, plans to sell, or where they or a family member intend to move in.
Between 1 May and 30 July 2026, student landlords will be able to use Ground 4A to give two months’ notice to regain possession. This transitional measure is intended to support the student lettings cycle ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.
Other key elements of the legislation include limiting rent increases to once per year, a ban on rental bidding, and strengthened protections against discrimination.
Local authorities will also have enhanced powers to investigate and enforce compliance, including the ability to issue financial penalties where landlords or agents fail to meet their obligations.
Preparation is critical. Robust record-keeping, clear communication, and early action will be essential during the transition. The UK Government has published a ‘Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026’, which must be provided to all named tenants by 31 May 2026. This must be delivered either as a physical copy or electronically (for example, via email); simply sharing a web link will not meet the legal requirement.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, commented: “The first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act is fast approaching, and any failure by letting agents or landlords to comply with the new requirements could result in significant financial penalties.
“Propertymark continues to support its members through online resources, guidance documents, webinars, and ongoing engagement with the UK government to ensure the sector is well prepared as implementation progresses.”
Propertymark, which will be hosting a webinar on the Renters’ Rights Act taking place on Monday, 13 April, covering the latest updates ahead of implementation, advises agents to review their tenancy portfolios to identify affected agreements, ensure processes are in place to issue the Information Sheet correctly and on time, train staff on compliant delivery, and prepare for wider documentation changes ahead of May 2026.
Propertymark, which is hosting a Renters’ Rights Act webinar on Monday, 13 April to cover the latest updates ahead of implementation, advises agents to review their tenancy portfolios to identify affected agreements, ensure processes are in place to issue the Information Sheet correctly and on time, train staff on compliant delivery, and prepare for wider documentation changes ahead of May 2026.
