Most of the new measures implemented by the Renters’ Right Act 2025 will take effect from 1 May 2026. These changes mean it is now more important than ever for landlords to review how they manage tenancies and ensure that all paperwork and processes are up to date.
It will become essential that landlords can provide solid evidence of compliance with the law and that they are getting procedures right first time.
The new grounds under which landlords can regain possession will require landlords to evidence arrears, breaches of tenancy terms or other statutory grounds. Errors in notices or documentation are likely to cause delay and add cost and possibly lead to civil or criminal liability.
Under the new Act, rent increases will be more tightly controlled, with limits on frequency and clearer routes for tenants to challenge them. This means it is critical that rent reviews can be justified and that review clauses, notices and supporting records are compliant.
The Act strengthens enforcement powers and paves the way for a national landlord database, due to be introduced in a second phase of implementation. The aim of the database is to ensure higher standards and transparency, but this will also increase visibility of compliance failures, making informal or inconsistent approaches to tenancy management a greater risk.
Steps to Take Now
- Check property documents are up to date including the EPC, Gas Safety records, electrical installation condition report and deposit documents
- Update precedent tenancy agreements by removing reference to fixed terms and to ‘no fault’ or ‘section 21’ notices, and limit rent increase to once every 12 months using the section 13 process
- Issue all existing tenants with the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026
If you have a property in your portfolio which you wish to regain possession of, the deadline for issuing a section 21 claim is fast approaching. We recommend that you start the process now.
If you need help to start proceedings to obtain vacant possession or simply require help understanding your responsibilities as a landlord in light of the new legislation, please contact the Dispute Resolution Team at Nicholsons. We can guide you through the changes and give clear advice to protect you from both civil and criminal liability.