Your Renters’ Rights checklist – three weeks to go
On 1st May, major tenancy changes in the Renters’ Rights Act become active in England and it is vital that you are prepared and know your responsibilities as a landlord or agent.
To make sure you are ready for the big day, here are the headline things you must do to make sure you are compliant.
Existing tenancies (assured and assured shorthold tenancies)
Under the Act, most existing assured and assured shorthold tenancies will automatically convert to become assured periodic tenancies (APTs) on 1st May - unless you have served a valid Section 21 or Section 8 notice prior to 1st May and the possession process is still live.
You don't need to issue a new tenancy agreement. But as the landlord or agent, you have a duty to inform your tenants of these changes.
Where there is a written tenancy agreement in place already, including where the tenancy is partly written, tenants need to be given the UK Government's official Information Sheet by 31st May. The sheet must be downloaded from the Government’s website and given to each tenant.
If your tenancy is wholly oral, you will need to provide a written statement setting out the key terms of your tenancy. We have a template available which you can use to provide a standalone written statement of terms.
Remember, it is mandatory to provide your tenants with the information sheet or written statement, and failure to do so could land you with a £7,000 fine, going up to £40,000 if you then fail to serve it within 28 days, or are identified as a repeat offender. With that in mind, it's important you serve it correctly and collect evidence you have done so. We have guidance and documents that help you do this in our existing tenancies guide.
If you have served a valid possession notice prior to 1st May and possession proceedings are yet to conclude, the commencement of the Act is delayed with regard to this specific tenancy and it remains an AST until the process is complete. Please read our guide on transitional rules for possession claims for full information.
If you have student HMOs (houses in multiple occupation), the Renters' Rights Act introduces a new Ground 4a for possession which is available where the property is an HMO and all tenants meet the 'student test'. This ground allows landlords to regain possession at the end of the academic year in order to relet the property to a new group of students. For existing tenancies, you must provide the tenants with a written statement by 31st May informing them that you may use Ground 4a. You can find more details, and a template to use, on our guide for student landlords..
There are also a number of further transitional arrangements related to rent increases and rent in advance. Find full details on this at our dedicated existing tenancies guide on our Renters' Rights hub.
New tenancies
If you are planning on starting a new tenancy on or after 1st May 2026, then you should familiarise yourself with all the new rules at our Renters' Rights Hub and replace your old documents, such as tenancy agreements and guarantor forms.
Even if you are an experienced landlord, the Renters' Rights Act significantly updates the process you need to undertake - so it's important you understand your responsibilities fully and have the right documents for the new rules.
Our new landlord starter pack for assured periodic tenancies is the place to go for all the documents and checklists you need when setting up a new tenancy from 1st May.
Amongst other things the starter pack contains our new tenancy agreement, deed of guarantee, holding deposit form, completion notes, compliance checklists, and documents for pets. We've included specific guidance around compliance with the Renters' Rights Act, including information to support you meet new regulations around advertising including anti-discrimination requirements.
Our downloadable start of tenancy checklist will both help you ensure you have met your obligations and, importantly, secure a signed record from your tenants confirming that you have done so.
More information
- To visit our Renters' Rights Hub, packed with information and resources to help you manage the transition, click here.
- We have also developed an exclusive Navigator tool, offering you your personalised "to-do list” tailored to your needs, which can be accessed here.
- The NRLA's award-winning training academy runs a comprehensive Renters' Rights Act training offer. Click here to book your place.