Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Changes Everything
With only one week to go before Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 comes into play effect, the government has published the commencement order which brings into force certain provisions of the legislation. From 1st May 2026, the core reforms apply to the private rented sector:-
All tenancies under the Housing Act 1988 become assured periodic tenancies
Fixed-term ASTs are abolished
Section 21 (‘no-fault’) evictions are removed
For now these changes will not apply to social housing.
Alongside the structural tenancy changes, several important provisions take effect:
Transitional Rules — Where the Real Complexity Lies
The Regulations are not just about new law—they are about how old and new systems interact.
Renters’ Rights Act 2025 - Government Publishes Guidance for Tenants
Rent Repayment Orders offences: guidance for tenants
This guidance for tenants lists the offences a landlord can commit and how you can prove the offence was committed when applying for a Rent Repayment Order.
Grounds for possession tenant guidance
Grounds for possession guidance for tenants will be available soon.
Notices of possession served after 1 May 2026: a guide for tenants who are renting from a private landlord
Guidance on what happens when your landlord gives you notice on or after 1 May to leave your home and the court and eviction process if you do not leave.
Under a Week to Go to Making Tax Digital
With just a few days left until implementation, a significant shift in the UK tax landscape is about to take effect. From 6th April 2026, approximately 125,000 landlords and sole traders within the property sector will be required to comply with the first phase of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax—the most significant change to the Self Assessment system since its introduction in 1997.
For many this represents not only a procedural adjustment, but a change in how income and expenses are recorded, reported, and reviewed throughout the tax year.
Renters’ Rights Act News:- Assured Tenancy Forms published for Privately Rented Properties.
From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Right Act 2026 will abolish assured shorthold tenancies and section 21 (Form 6A) in the private rented sector in England.. The government has published a set of new forms for tenancy processes to be used from the 1st May 2026 onwards.
The forms have been watermarked to ensure that they cannot be used prior to the 1st May 2026 and the versions that can be used will be published on assured tenancy forms webpage.
Form 1A
Form 1A: Notice proposing different terms for an assured tenancy arising by way of succession under the Rent Act 1977 or the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 in the private rented sector
On and after 1 May 2026, use this form if you are a landlord or a tenant of a privately rented property and want to propose changes to the terms of an assured tenancy which arises by way of succession under the Rent Act 1977 or Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976.
Form 2A
Form 2A: Application referring a notice proposing different terms for an assured tenancy arising by way of succession under the Rent Act 1977 or the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 to the tribunal in the private rented sector
On and after 1 May 2026, use this form if you have been given Form 1A and disagree with the terms proposed. You can use this form to ask the tribunal to decide what terms might reasonably be found in the assured tenancy.