Question 1

When do the main Renters' Rights Act changes start?

Accepted Answer

The main tenancy reforms under the Renters' Rights Act apply from 1 May 2026 across England.

Question 2

Will the rules affect existing tenancies or only new ones?

Accepted Answer

Existing tenancies signed before 1 May 2026 follow transition rules, including providing a government information sheet to tenants in certain cases.

Question 3

What is the "government information sheet" and who needs to serve it?

Accepted Answer

If you already rent out a property and the tenancy agreement was signed before 1 May 2026 and you have a written record of the agreement, you must give tenants the government-produced information sheet.

Question 4

When will the information sheet be published?

Accepted Answer

The information sheet will be published online in March 2026.

Question 5

What is the deadline for giving the information sheet to existing tenants?

Accepted Answer

You will have until 31 May 2026 to give it to your tenants, and you must give it to all tenants named on the tenancy agreement.

Question 6

Can I serve the information sheet by email?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The information sheet can be provided electronically or in hard copy.

Question 7

What if the tenancy was agreed verbally (no written agreement) before 1 May 2026?

Accepted Answer

If the tenancy is based entirely on a verbal agreement made before 1 May 2026, you cannot give the information sheet; instead you must provide the required written information about key terms by 31 May 2026.

Question 8

What happens if I don't provide the required written information?

Accepted Answer

If landlords do not provide the required written information, the tenant could complain to the local council and the landlord could receive a fine up to £7,000.

Question 9

Are fixed-term tenancies continuing after 1 May 2026?

Accepted Answer

No. Fixed contracts will end and tenancies will roll on as periodic tenancies.

Question 10

How much notice does a tenant need to give to leave?

Accepted Answer

Tenants can end their tenancy with two months' notice.

Question 11

What written information must be provided for new tenancies from 1 May 2026?

Accepted Answer

From 1 May 2026 landlords must give tenants certain written information about key terms of the tenancy, and this must be provided before signing or otherwise agreeing the tenancy.

Question 12

How often can rent be increased?

Accepted Answer

Rent can only be raised once a year, and tenants can challenge unfair hikes.

Question 13

Are "rental bidding wars" banned?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bidding wars are banned and landlords must stick to no more than the advertised rent price.

Question 14

Is there a limit on how much rent can be taken upfront?

Accepted Answer

Yes. One month's rent upfront is the maximum.

Question 15

Can landlords refuse tenants just because they have children or are on benefits?

Accepted Answer

No. It will be illegal to refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have children. Applications must be assessed individually.

Question 16

Do tenants have the right to request a pet?

Accepted Answer

Tenants can request permission to keep a pet and landlords must consider it fairly. Refusals must be based on valid reasons.

Question 17

Is there going to be a landlord ombudsman and a PRS database?

Accepted Answer

A Private Rented Sector Database and a free complaints service (Landlord Ombudsman) are planned for later phases from late 2026.

Question 18

What are the 3 most urgent actions before May/June 2026?

Accepted Answer

1. Identify which tenancies are written vs purely verbal. 2. Plan to serve the government information sheet by 31 May 2026. 3. Update new-tenancy onboarding so the required written information is given before signing from 1 May 2026.

Question 19

Should I switch to a managed lettings service before May 2026?

Accepted Answer

For many landlords, a fully managed, compliance-led letting service is the simplest way to manage risk under the new regime. A good agent will handle documentation, compliance monitoring and early intervention if problems arise.

Question 20

Do I need a solicitor to comply with the Renters' Rights Act?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily for day-to-day compliance, but legal advice is strongly recommended for possession proceedings, tenancy disputes and any situation where you need to rely on Section 8 grounds. Getting it wrong can be costly.

Renters' Rights Act FAQs for Landlords

Key Dates & Transition

Tenancy Structure & Ending Tenancies

Rent Rules

Discrimination Rules

Pets

Future Systems

Practical Steps

Still Have Questions?

Related Renters' Rights Act Guidance