The Renters’ Rights Act Three Months On – Challenges and Opportunities
On 1st May 2026, Phase 1 of the Renters' Rights Act came into force – the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector since the Housing Act 1988 (Amended). Assured Shorthold Tenancies gave way to periodic agreements, Section 21 was abolished, Section 8 became the only notice landlords can rely on to obtain possession and Section 13 the only lawful route to increase rent; rent in advanced has been limited to one monthly payment; landlords are not able to accept offers above the advertised asking price; there is no rent control or caps on rent increases, and rents can be increased in line with market rent; joint tenants can serve notice to bring the tenancy to an end without consulting with their co-tenants.
Reflect, Review and Prepare
As phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 approaches in 2026, the last 12 months have been defined by evolving change.
The last 14 months have shown the sector is no longer simply about providing property, accountability, resilience, strategic planning and the ability to adapt will take centre stage. and letting agents, landlords, solicitors, suppliers and other stakeholders who have embraced these changes are moving forward with confidence.
A Landscape Defined by Reform
Regulatory change is reshaping the private rented sector, with emphasis on property standards, compliance, licensing, transparency and more protection for tenants. Expectations are higher and local authorities have been given enforcement powers the industry has never expreienced before .
Government Guides for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025
Since the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent, the government have been very hard at work publishing and updating guidance for the different elements of the Act.
It is important to note that the guidance has been updated since it was first published, so make sure that the latest version is referenced.
Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025
Now that the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025) has been granted Royal Assent, the landscape of the private rented sector in England will change significantly. The RRA 2025 will introduce reforms that will alter the foundations of how tenancies are created, managed and ended, moving away from fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies and relying on a section 21 notice to bring a tenancy to an end, towards assured periodic tenancies, statutory processes for increasing rent, to the new version of the section 8 notice.