No new statutory instruments this week. With 74 days to the 1 May commencement of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, this edition sets out where landlords and letting agents should be in their preparation, and covers the EPC compliance position for 2026.
Renters' Rights Act: 74 days to commencement
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 comes into force on 1 May 2026. With 74 days remaining, the following preparation should be underway or complete.
Tenancy agreement templates
Existing tenancy agreement templates must be updated before 1 May 2026 to:
- Remove fixed-term clauses
- Remove Section 21 references and prescribed form references
- Add the statutory information sheet requirement
- Update the rent increase clause to Section 13 process only
- Add the pet consent clause
Landlords using a letting agent's standard agreement should confirm in writing that their agent has updated their templates. Do not assume updates have been made without written confirmation.
Section 8 notice forms
The prescribed Section 8 notice forms have been updated to reflect the new grounds under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Using an outdated form will invalidate the notice. Updated forms are available from gov.uk.
Deposit compliance
Deposit protection requirements are unchanged under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. All deposits must be protected in an authorised scheme within 30 days of receipt and the prescribed information served on the tenant. This obligation applies equally to periodic tenancies.
EPC compliance: 2026 position
The minimum EPC rating for new lets in England and Wales remains Band E. The proposed uplift to Band C has been subject to consultation. No commencement date for the Band C requirement has been confirmed. Landlords with properties currently rated below Band E are in breach of the existing Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and should not be letting those properties without a registered exemption.
Landlord Insights — landlordinsights.co.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.