The government published detailed guidance for landlords and letting agents on the Renters' Rights Act 2025 on 15 January. The guidance confirms an implementation date of 1 May 2026 and covers the new tenancy regime, possession grounds, rent increase rules, and pet provisions.
Government guidance: Renters' Rights Act 2025
The government published its official guidance for landlords and letting agents on the Renters' Rights Act 2025 on 15 January 2026. The guidance is available at gov.uk and confirms an implementation date of 1 May 2026.
New tenancy regime from 1 May 2026
From 1 May 2026, all new assured tenancies in England will be periodic from the outset. Fixed-term tenancies will no longer be available. Existing fixed-term tenancies will convert to periodic tenancies at the end of their current fixed term.
Possession grounds
The guidance confirms the revised Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988. Key changes for landlords:
- Ground 1A (landlord occupation): mandatory ground, four-month notice period. Cannot be used within the first 12 months of the tenancy.
- Ground 6A (sale): mandatory ground, four-month notice period. Cannot be used within the first 12 months of the tenancy.
- Ground 8 (rent arrears): mandatory ground retained. Threshold remains three months' arrears.
Section 21 notices may not be served after 30 April 2026. Notices served before that date remain valid for their stated period.
Rent increases
Landlords may only increase rent once in any 12-month period. The prescribed method is a Section 13 notice, which must give at least two months' notice. Rent review clauses in existing agreements cease to have effect.
Pets
Landlords may not unreasonably refuse a request to keep a pet. Landlords may require pet insurance as a condition of consent.
Required actions before 1 May 2026
- Update all tenancy agreement templates
- Remove fixed-term clauses and Section 21 references
- Review your Section 8 notice forms and update to new prescribed versions
- Confirm your letting agent has updated their documentation
- Advise tenants of their new rights before their next rent increase
Landlord Insights — landlordinsights.co.uk — Sourced from gov.uk. Not legal advice.
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always verify information against the original source and seek independent professional guidance before acting on any regulatory matter.