The Renters Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026 and introduced sweeping changes to the way that private Landlords may terminate a tenancy. It is vital that Landlords start reviewing their tenancy arrangements to ensure they are not caught out by any of the changes.

The aim of the Act is to give tenants more security and stronger protections from unscrupulous Landlords, whilst genuine Landlords will need to adapt to the new rules and regulations.

Here are some of the key changes:

Section 21:

Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid legal reason. Evictions must now be commenced using a Section 8 Notice citing specific grounds such as rent arrears or an intention to  sell the property

Periodic Tenancies

The amendments eradicate all Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), which automatically become Periodic Rolling Tenancies. Fixed end date agreements where tenants can leave at any time by giving at least two months written notice are no longer permitted.

Rent Increases

Landlords may now only increase rent once per year with at least two months’ notice to their tenant and tenants are entitled to challenge any increase that they believe exceed market rates. 

Rights for tenants 

The new rights are designed to make it harder for Landlords to refuse potential tenants because they have children or receive benefits. The changes also introduce new rights for tenants to request permission to keep pets at the property, which landlords must consider reasonably.

At RJS Solicitors, we are helping Landlords and property owners understand the changes and how they may affect them.

If you would like advice on how the reforms may affect your property portfolio, our team is happy to assist.

By Nathan Maude, Commercial Property Paralegal.