Renters' Rights: Your compliance FAQs
Our first post-Renters' Rights Act webinar took place this week, with hundreds of you joining to find out more about key actions and upcoming deadlines when it comes to compliance.
Our expert team ran through all the tenancy changes that came in on 1st May and reminded you of the importance of ensuring your existing tenants are given the compulsory Government information sheet before the end of the month.
Here we run through some of the most popular questions that came in to our expert panel during the live Q&A session.
Your Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need evidence that I have emailed or posted the Government information sheet to the tenant or will a verbal confirmation suffice?
A: You need some evidence you provided them with the information. You can ask for email confirmation if you sent it digitally, or a picture confirmation from the courier if you send it by post, but evidence that you can get that you can show to a local authority if questioned will be useful.
Q: I am a student landlord. If all my tenants have signed a joint agreement, can one student hand in notice and leave or would that end the tenancy for the whole group? ?
A: If one of the tenants gives notice, it will end the tenancy for all the tenants. They can all leave if they want to, but nothing stops you from starting a new agreement with the remaining tenants if they want to stay, or finding a replacement tenant. Whatever you do, it will be considered a completely new tenancy, so you must complete all the relevant paperwork, or you could face a civil penalty . . Please see our page here on tenant's notice.
Q: The standard NRLA tenancy agreement doesn't have a rent increase clause. Will I still be able to increase the rent?
A: Yes, you will be able to increase the rent through a section 13 notice - to serve a valid Section 13 notice you must ensure you use Form 4A, which is available on the gov.uk website - giving at least two months’ notice. Under the new rules coming in under Renters’ Rights Act you can’t increase the rent in the first 12 months of the tenancy or for 12 months after any previous increase.
Q: I have had a tenant in my rental property since September 2025. Am I able to increase the rent in September this year or do I need to wait till the 1st May 2027?
A: As the tenancy started in September 2025, you are able to increase the rent from September 2026 as this will have been 12 months after the tenancy started. You will not have to wait until the 1st May 2027 (the anniversary of the Act coming into force)
Q: Can I issue a section 13 notice to increase the rent at the 10-month point in the tenancy, or can this only be issued once the tenancy has been in place for 12 months?
A: Yes, you can issue the section 13 notice at the ten-month point of the tenancy. However, this notice cannot take effect until the tenancy hits 12 months. The rule is that the rent cannot be increased more than once within 52 weeks from occupation, or from the last rent increase.
Listen back
f you registered for this webinar but were unable to attend or if you want to watch it back, you can by clicking here
Being compliant
Our new landlord starter pack for assured periodic tenancies (APTs) is the place to go for all the documents and checklists you need when setting up a new tenancy, including our new tenancy agreement, deed of guarantee, holding deposit form, completion notes, compliance checklists, and documents for pets.
We've also included specific guidance around compliance, including information to support you in meeting new regulations around advertising including anti-discrimination requirements.
Next webinar
Our next webinar, entitled ‘Possession’ will be held on 27th May from 11am-12pm. With Section 21 now abolished, this webinar will go through the new updated Section 8 grounds, the new possession process, and what to expect if a case goes to court
As ever, a live Q&A will follow the presentation.
To register, click here.
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 y
