We finally have a date for the implementation of the Renters Rights Act. It will be a phased rollout with the first measures starting on 1st May 2026. This phase will include the following:
• All tenancies will become a periodic tenancy including any pre-existing tenancies.
• Section 21 abolished meaning landlords will no longer be able to issue tenants with a no fault eviction
• Cap on rent in advance. Landlord’s will no longer be able to ask for more than one months rent in advance
• Anti-discrimination measures. It will be illegal to discriminate against renters who have children or receive benefits
• Ban on rental bidding. Landlords and letting agents will not be able to ask for, encourage, or accept an offer that is higher than the advertised rent.
• Annual rent increases via section 13 notices. Rent increases will be limited to once a year and two months notice must be given
• Tenant’s rights to request a pet. Landlords will have to consider tenant requests to rent with a pet and they will have an initial 28 days to consider their tenant’s request, and have to provide valid reasons if they refuse it. If pets are against the headlease of the building, landlords will be able to say no.
The Introduction of the Landlord Ombudsman requirements and the rollout of the new PRS Database will be from late 2026. Implementation of the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law timing is to be confirmed, with consultation expected in either 2035 or 2037.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, Section 21 notices that are served before 1 May 2026 are still valid until the notice expires (six months from the date of the notice) or is concluded (tenant vacates)
Landlords won’t need to change or re-issue existing written tenancy agreements. Instead, they will need to provide tenants with a copy of the UK Government-produced information sheet, explaining how the reforms may have affected the tenancy.
Once we have more official guidance from Propertymark, we will be in touch further with all our Landlords.