The Renters’ Rights Act is a new UK legislation which is designed to create a fairer private rented sector. It focuses on:
- Moving ALL assured shorthold tenancies to Assured Periodic tenancies
- Removes section 21’s
- Adds new grounds for possession via Section 8s.
- Statutory rent increase procedures (Section 13s)
- Tenant’s right to request pets
- Protection against discrimination
- Introduction of landlord redress scheme
- Introduction of landlord database
- Introduction of Decent Homes Standard & Awaabs Law
How does the new act affect me as a landlord?
All landlords must follow the new regulations put in place. From 1st May 2026, your tenancy must move onto an Assured Periodic Tenancy. You must not serve a section 21 notice as it will be invalid. If you need to regain possession of your property, you will be able to under Section 8 notice (new grounds will be added). You will be able to increase your rent on a yearly basis but this must be done under Section 13 notice. You must allow your tenants to reasonably request a pet and must not discriminate against certain groups of individuals when letting out your property. Once the introduction of the landlord redress scheme and Landlord database is introduced, you must register all details to the correct portals. Failure to comply with the above will result to fines being issued.
I am a let only landlord- how can I prepare for the changes?
You will need to ensure that you are compliant by following government regulations. As your tenancy needs to move onto an assured periodic tenancy, please speak to one of our dedicated lettings team who can arrange this for you. Our property management team can also audit your file to ensure that you are compliant.
How will Breens support with the Renter’s Rights Act?
We will update all tenancy agreements and terms of business to reflect the new regulations. Our dedicated property management team will work behind the scenes to ensure that your property’s file is up to date and compliant on a yearly basis. We will assist with serving relevant notices such as section 8’s and section 13’s. Our lettings team will provide accurate rental valuations which are fair to both landlord and tenant on a yearly basis. Our team will undertake regular training to help widen our knowledge which will help assist with answering your queries and concerns. We will also continue to offer enhanced rent insurance, provided by Homelet who will also assist with rent and legal protection.
What are the risks of not following new regulations?
The Renter’s Rights Act is introducing stricter enforcements powers which local councils will be enforcing and penalising for non-compliance. Some of the fines include:
- Up to £7,000: Admin failures such as failing to provide correct tenancy information, advertising wrongly or offering prohibited fixed-term tenancies.
- Up to £40,000: Severe/repeated breaches including unlawful evictions or failing to comply with requirements.
- EPC: Up to £5,000
- GSI: £6,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment
- EICR: Up to £30,000
Here at Breens, we are dedicated to ensuring your property and tenancy is compliant. We will be completing monthly audits and keeping a trail of records for your protection.
What’s next?
March 2026– Information sheet will be published by the government which will need to be given to all existing tenants, informing them of the changes.
April 2026– Guidance to be issued to tenants.
30th April 2026– Last day section 21’s can be served to tenants.
1st May 2026– Renter’s Right Act part 1 to be implemented (removal of section 21/abolishment of Assured Shorthold tenancies).
Late 2026- Introduction of Landlord database and Ombudsman.
Want to learn more?
Please contact us and one of our dedicated experts will be able to help answer any of your queries.