Settling Into Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act
An interesting and highly insightful few weeks. It has now been just over two weeks since the implementation of Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act, and what has been particularly interesting is how quickly the practical, real-life implications have come to the fore.
The level of attention to detail demonstrated by letting agents and landlords in preparing for the service of the Information Sheet has been impressive. Ensuring that the document is served in a compliant, accurate, and diligent manner has clearly been a major priority across the sector.
The process itself involves a significant amount of work — carefully cross-referencing records to ensure that each individual tenant receives a copy of the Information Sheet, verifying that correct tenant email addresses are held on file, and in many cases taking additional steps where there is any concern that service may later be challenged or deemed invalid.
Equally revealing has been navigating the many “What if...?” questions that arose prior to 1 May 2026. Much of the wider press coverage suggested that tenants in existing tenancies would immediately begin serving notice or challenging rent increases as soon as the legislation came into force. Whilst it may still be too early to assess the long-term impact, the experience across our client base has so far reflected something rather different — landlords, agents, and tenants alike are gradually settling into the new regime and adapting to the changes in a measured and practical way.
What has become apparent is the level of focus now being placed on possession proceedings and the service of the revised Form 3A (Section 8) requirements. The practical questions being raised on a daily basis highlight just how significant this has become.
Some of the most common questions include: -
Which grounds are mandatory and which remain discretionary?
How should agents calculate notice periods where there are overlapping breaches?
What supporting evidence should accompany grounds for ASB?
What are the consequences if the prescribed information or supporting documentation has not been correctly provided?
The emphasis on compliance, accuracy, and evidential record-keeping has never been greater.
Whilst the legislation itself brought major structural change, the first two weeks have demonstrated that the real challenge lies in the day-to-day application of the rules, and ensuring that procedures are followed precisely from the outset.