Important Update for Landlords & Tenants

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will come into force on 1 May 2026. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has published guidance and an implementation Roadmap setting out three phases:

On 1 May 2026, the new tenancy system will apply to all private tenancies. Existing tenancies will convert to the new system, and any new tenancies signed on or after this date will also be governed by the new rules.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, Section 21 notices that are served before 1 May 2026 are still valid until the notice expires (six months from the date of the notice) or is concluded (tenant vacates).

Written Statements

As set out in the Act, all new tenancies must have a written tenancy agreement that includes specific information to be set out by the UK Government in secondary legislation.

Landlords won’t need to change or re-issue existing written tenancy agreements. Instead, they will need to provide tenants with a copy of this UK Government-produced information sheet, explaining how the reforms may have affected the tenancy. We are working with MHCLG on the details to be contained within the information sheet, with further details to be provided at a later date.

If an existing tenancy doesn’t currently have a written tenancy agreement — because it is based on a verbal agreement or because it is a protected (rent act) tenancy — landlords will need to provide the tenant with a written document that covers the required information.