The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is now law and places additional responsibilities on landlords. This page will be updated continuously as the Act is implemented.
March 2026 update
The government has now published the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 As a landlord, you’ll need to understand the new rules for tenancy agreements.
You’ll need to make sure that you give your tenant written information about the terms of their tenancy.
For most tenancies that started before 1 May 2026 you won’t need to change or re-issue any existing written tenancy agreements. Instead, you’ll need to send your tenants a copy of the information sheet above.
How to serve
The Information Sheet is only valid when downloaded from the government’s website. You must give the exact PDF found by the link given above. A copy of the link via email or text is not valid.
A copy must be given to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement. You can serve the information sheet by:
- printing a hard copy, which is posted or given to the tenants by hand
- sending the PDF electronically as an attachment, for example, to an email or text message
You have until 31 May 2026 to send this to all your tenants, or you could be fined up to £7,000.
Verbal tenancy agreement
If you have a tenancy based entirely on a verbal agreement, that was made before 1 May 2026, then you cannot give this Information Sheet. You must provide certain written information for your tenant instead.
Tenancies that start on or after 1 May 2026
For tenancies that start on or after 1 May 2026 you’ll need to provide your tenants with certain written information for your tenant. You could do this in a tenancy agreement, but you can also give it separately.
Three phase rollout for Renter's Rights Act 2025
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is now law. Initial investigatory powers for local authorities came into force on 27 December 2025, with further duties to take effect on 1 May 2026. This transition period gives landlords time to prepare, review their practices, and access guidance to make sure they're fully compliant.
The government has confirmed a 3-phase rollout to allow landlords, tenants, and local authorities time to prepare for each set of changes.
Phase 1: 1 May 2026
The following changes will take effect from 1 May 2026:
- abolition of Section 21 notices ‘no fault’ evictions for the private rented sector (PRS)
- all new and existing PRS tenancies to become Assured Periodic Tenancies
- introduction of new limited grounds for possession
- rent increase limited to once a year with a valid Section 13 served and 2 months’ notice
- ban on rental bidding and upfront payments beyond 1 month’s rent
- right to request a pet, with refusal requiring reasonable grounds
- expanded enforcement duties and powers for councils to add to those implemented from 27 December 2025
This list is not exhaustive and you need to read the government guidance for a full list of changes.
Phase 2: From late 2026
The next phase will introduce the following measures:
- launch of a mandatory PRS Database for landlord and property registration
- establishment of PRS Landlord Ombudsman
Phase 3: Timing to be confirmed
The following additional measures are planned, subject to confirmation of dates:
- minimum EPC rating of C (unless officially exempt) with a target date of 2030
- introduction of the Decent Homes Standard, including the extension of Awaab’s Law to the PRS
What landlords should do to prepare
If you are a landlord, you should begin preparing now to make sure you're compliant ahead of the upcoming changes. You should:
- review tenancy agreements: ensure terms reflect upcoming changes, particularly the move to Assured Periodic Tenancies and the right to request a pet
- provide new information: for all written tenancies started prior to May 2026, all landlords will be required to give all tenants a copy of the government's Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026 (for verbal tenancies and tenancies started after 1 May 2026, see the government's guide to providing written information for your tenant)
- plan rent reviews carefully: from May 2026, rent can only be raised once per year using a valid Section 13 notice with 2 months’ notice
- update advertising and selection criteria: remove any wording that discriminates against tenants with children or those on benefits
- budget for compliance: factor in PRS Database registration and fees, property upgrades for EPC improvement and works required under the Decent Homes Standard
- prepare for enforcement: with expanded council powers already live, ensure all safety certificates, inspections and documentation are up to date
- understand the Ombudsman process: get familiar with how disputes will be resolved without needing court action
Government guidance will continue to be updated throughout the transition.
How we can help landlords navigate these changes
We will provide regular updates as information becomes available. You can also sign up to our landlords and housing partners newsletter.
Financial incentives
We are currently offering an additional £500 incentive uplift for landlords joining the Help to Let scheme from now until 30 April 2026.
Training opportunities
There is free online training on the DASH website to help you understand the Renters’ Rights Act and stay compliant. The enrolment code is RRA123.
There is also additional paid training options on the DASH website.
Contact us
Our team can answer questions, provide guidance and signpost further support. Send an email to landlordrelationsteam@bcpcouncil.gov.uk to get in touch with us.