Renters’ Rights Act -It’s All About the New Norm

Just one month into the implementation of Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, it is becoming clear that the issues and challenges being navigated by letting agents are consistent across England.

While experiences will vary from agency to agency, a number of common themes have emerged as letting agents adapt to the new legislative framework. In no particular order, the following trends are becoming apparent:-

• Serving Section 8 (Form 3A) under Grounds 1 and 1A. Landlords are using the fact that tenancies created over 12 months ago do not bear the weight of the restrictions imposed by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

• Service of notice by Joint Tenants. This is becoming increasingly common - where one Joint Tenant serves notice without the knowledge of their co-tenants. Letting agents are dealing with the process well, informing landlords and providing options for tenants.

• Service of notice by tenants who were previously in a fixed term tenancy with no break clause. Even though the Renters’ Rights Act states that tenants must give 2 months notice, a handful of tenants are aware they can rely on the one month notice period for a periodic tenancy in their previous contract.

• Serving Section 13 (Form 4A) as the new mechanism for increasing / reviewing rent means that many letting agents have put together processes to deal with the rent review which not only consist of service of the Section 13 but also putting together comparables, negotiating on behalf of the landlord and also assisting in the preparation of information should the tenant challenge the increase.

• Service of the Information Sheet and ensuring the deadline of 31st May 2026 is met.

• Navigating the terms of the Assured Periodic Tenancy and Written Statement.

• Changing the services offered to landlords and existing business models.

The New Norm is the way forward and sets the foundations for the next stages of the Renters’ Rights Act.