Renters’ Rights Act Now in Force – What Landlords Need to Know
With the Renters' Rights Act in force from today 1st of May 2026, here's a handy guide of what landlords need to know going forward.
From 1st May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act reforms are now officially in place, bringing some of the biggest changes to the private rental sector in recent years.
For landlords, this marks a shift in how tenancies are managed, how possession is handled, and how rents can be reviewed.
At Lesley Hooks, we’re here to guide you through what these changes mean in practice, and ensure you feel confident in how to move forward.
What’s Changing?
Periodic Tenancies Become the New Standard
Tenancies will now move onto a rolling periodic basis, rather than fixed-term agreements in the traditional sense.
This gives tenants greater flexibility, while landlords will need to take a more proactive approach to managing tenancies and planning ahead.
Tenant Notice Periods
Tenants are now required to give a minimum of 2 months’ notice if they wish to leave a property.
This provides more stability than before, but still allows flexibility within the system.
Landlord Notice Periods & Possession
One of the most significant changes is the removal of Section 21 (“no fault” evictions).
Landlords can still regain possession of their property, but this must now be done using updated Section 8 grounds.
Depending on the reason (for example, selling the property or moving back in), notice periods will typically range from 2 to 4 months. Tenants are also entitled to a 12 month protected period from the date the tenancy commences.
Planning ahead is now more important than ever.
Rent Increases
Rent can now only be increased:
- Once per year
- Via a formal Section 13 notice
This creates a more structured approach to rent reviews, making it important to stay aligned with market conditions.
Rental Bidding & Upfront Rent
New rules have been introduced to improve fairness for tenants:
- Rental bidding wars are now banned
- Rent in advance is capped
This will standardise the lettings process across the market.
Pets in Rental Properties
Tenants now have the right to request a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
This doesn’t mean all pets must be accepted, but decisions must now be reasonable and justifiable.
What This Means for Landlords
These reforms are designed to create greater security and transparency for tenants, but they also mean landlords need to take a more structured and proactive approach to managing their properties.
Key things to consider:
- Planning ahead if you may want to sell or regain possession
- Keeping rents in line with the market at the right time
- Maintaining clear communication with tenants
- Making informed decisions around requests (such as pets)
How We’re Supporting You
At Lesley Hooks, we will be:
- Issuing the official Renters’ Rights Information Sheet to all tenants
- Recording and tracking this for our records
- Supporting you with any tenancy-related questions or advice throughout
- Effectively managing new lets with the new regulations
- Ensuring a smooth transition of current tenancies
Most importantly, we are here to guide you through these changes and help you make the right decisions for your property.
Final Thoughts
While the Renters’ Rights Act represents a significant change, landlords who stay informed and adapt early will continue to perform strongly in the market.
If you’re unsure how these changes affect you, or you’re considering reviewing your rent, selling your property, or making adjustments to your tenancy, we’re always here to help.
📞 Get in touch with our team today for tailored advice.
Contact Us:
Charlie Rattenshaw
charlie@lesleyhooks.co.uk
Lettings Manager
Rachael Hooks
rachael@lesleyhooks.co.uk
Director