Question 1

When did the main Renters' Rights Act changes start?

Accepted Answer

The main tenancy reforms under the Renters' Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2025 across England.

Question 2

Will the rules affect existing tenancies or only new ones?

Accepted Answer

Both. Existing tenancies converted to the new periodic tenancy regime on 1 May 2025. Landlords must also provide a government information sheet to existing tenants.

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 2025 and you have a written record of the agreement, you must give tenants the government-produced information sheet.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Landlords should serve the information sheet on all tenants named on the tenancy agreement as soon as possible. Failure to comply can result in fines up to £7,000.

Question 5

Can I serve the information sheet by email?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

What if the tenancy was agreed verbally (no written agreement) before 1 May 2025?

Accepted Answer

If the tenancy is based entirely on a verbal agreement made before 1 May 2025, you must provide the required written information about key terms. We can advise on the correct approach.

Question 7

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 8

Are fixed-term tenancies still available?

Accepted Answer

No. Fixed contracts ended on 1 May 2025 and all tenancies now roll on as periodic tenancies.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Tenants can end their tenancy with two months' notice.

Question 10

What written information must be provided for new tenancies?

Accepted Answer

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 11

How often can rent be increased?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

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 13

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

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 15

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 16

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 2025.

Question 17

What are the most urgent actions for landlords now?

Accepted Answer

1. Serve the government information sheet on existing tenants. 2. Update new-tenancy onboarding so the required written information is given before signing. 3. Review rent increase processes — informal increases no longer work.

Question 18

Should I switch to a managed lettings service?

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 19

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