Many provisions of the Renters Rights Act came into force on 1^st May 2026.  These significantly changed the legal relationship between landlords and tenants.

Landlords (and their agents) need to be aware of these legal changes and there are actions they must take before 31^st May 2026.

Consider whether your Tenancies convert to a Rolling Tenancy

Almost all existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies will convert to a rolling tenancy except those where a valid Section 21 or Section 8 Notice has been validly served by 30^th April.  If proceedings under any such notice have not yet started, they must do so within the timescale allowed under that notice and at the latest by 31 July 2026.

Serve the Renters Rights Act Information Sheet

This must be done before 31^st May 2026.  The only Information Sheet which can be used is on the gov.uk page and must be served on each named tenant.  It cannot be sent as a link by text or email.

Carry out a Document Audit

Check all compliance documents namely Gas Safety and Electrical Certificates, EPCs and Deposit Protection Certificates (as appropriate) for all tenancies.  If any expire in the next year, ensure renewals dates are diarised.

Create a Paper Trail

Rather than having important documents only on email, print out all compliance documents into a file and attach renewal dates as appropriate.

Councils now have the powers and indeed a duty to inspect these documents and if you cannot find them easily it is possible (may be even likely) that the landlord and/or their agent will be fined.

Don’t panic!

If landlords and their agents are organised with their paperwork and keep good records, the Renters Rights Act should hold no fears.

If any landlord needs assistance in interpreting the Renters Right Act which is now in force then they should contact our Landlord and Tenant Solicitor David Wilson on 01226 666983.

David Wilson

Landlord and Tenant Solicitor