Understanding the Renters’ Rights Act is essential for landlords. Learn what’s changing, what it means for your properties, and how to stay compliant.

The Renters’ Rights Act: A New Era for Renting

Landlord

Posted in Jan 22 , 2026

The private rented sector is entering a period of major legislative change. The Renters’ Rights Act is set to reshape how rental properties are managed, introducing new rules that will significantly affect landlords, tenants, and the wider market.

These reforms are designed to create a fairer and more transparent system, but they also bring new responsibilities and risks for property owners. From tenancy security and possession procedures to property standards and compliance requirements, the Act will change long-established practices across the sector.

For landlords, understanding these changes early is essential. Failing to adapt could lead to increased disputes, enforcement action, or avoidable financial loss. Staying informed, on the other hand, allows landlords to plan ahead, update processes, and protect their property portfolios with confidence.

This blog marks the start of a dedicated series exploring the Renters’ Rights Act in detail. Over the coming months, we will break down each key change, explaining what it means in practice and how landlords can remain compliant while continuing to operate successfully.

Stay Ahead of the Changes

For more information, or to receive our full Landlords’ Renters’ Rights Act factsheet, contact us today. Our guidance is designed to help you stay ahead of the changes, understand your obligations, and protect your property portfolio as the new legislation takes effect.

Shared on social media

Comments

Latest Blogs

Rent Review Rules Explained: What Section 13 Means for Landlords

At Anderson Knight, we regularly speak to landlords who want to increase rent — but are unsure how to do it correctly without risking disputes or delays. That’s where Section 13 comes in. Section 13 sets out the legal process landlords must follow when increasing rent on a periodic tenancy. While the process is straightforward, it’s also an area where small mistakes can cause big problems. Here’s how Section 13 works, what’s changing in practice, and what we advise our landlords to do. What Is Section 13? Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988 allows landlords to propose a rent increase for tenants on: Periodic tenancies (month-to-month or week-to-week) Fixed terms that have ended and rolled on It cannot be used: During a fixed-term tenancy (unless the agreement allows it) More than once every 12 months How Rent Reviews Are Being Treated Now 1. Greater Scrutiny on “Market Rent” Tenants have the right to challenge a Section 13 rent increase by applying to a tribunal. We’re seeing tribunals: Closely examine local market evidence Reject increases that appear excessive or unsupported This means increases must now be justified, not assumed. 2. Notice Accuracy Is Critical The correct Form 4 must be used, with: Proper notice periods Accurate rent figures Correct tenancy details Errors can invalidate the increase entirely, forcing landlords to restart the process. 3. Rising Tenant Awareness Tenants are increasingly informed about their rights. Poorly handled rent reviews are more likely to be challenged — even when the increase itself is reasonable. What We Advise Our Landlords 1. Base Increases on Evidence, Not Assumption We advise landlords to anchor rent increases to: Comparable local properties Condition and specification of the home Demand in the immediate area This reduces the risk of disputes and tribunal challenges. 2. Timing Matters Section 13 increases can only be proposed once every 12 months. Missing the window — or serving notice incorrectly — can delay income adjustments significantly. 3. Get the Paperwork Right First Time Using the wrong form or incorrect notice period can invalidate the increase. We handle this carefully to avoid unnecessary setbacks. 4. Communicate Clearly With Tenants Transparent communication often prevents disputes. When tenants understand why a rent increase is happening, they’re more likely to accept it.

The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026

From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will give tenants new rights and introduce new rules for private landlords. This information sheet explains how the new rules may affect your current tenancy. These changes only affect you if you are a tenant in the private rented sector with an assured or assured shorthold tenancy. If you live in social housing or you are a lodger, the new rules will not usually apply to you. These rules have been introduced by law. Your landlord cannot put anything into a tenancy agreement to change or disapply them. This document is only a summary of the changes. The new rules may change or impact your tenancy in a way not described below. The new rules apply to your tenancy automatically, even if your landlord does not update your tenancy agreement. If you do not have a written tenancy agreement or any written record of the tenancy’s terms, then your landlord must provide you with certain written information on or before 31 May 2026 Please see Link - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69bc04b8f7b1c24d8e23ce60/The_Renters__Rights_Act_Information_Sheet_2026.pdf

Mandatory Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 – What Landlords Need to Know

Anderson Knight Property Services – Ealing Lettings ExpertiseThe Renters’ Rights Act 2025 brings important changes for tenants and landlords across England. To help landlords comply, the government has produced the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026. This sheet explains how tenants’ rights and tenancies may be affected by the new legislation.Who Needs to Provide the Information SheetLandlords and their letting agents must give the Information Sheet to tenants if the tenancy: Is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy Was created before 1 May 2026 Has a wholly or partly written record of terms, including a written tenancy agreement Key points: Every tenant named on the tenancy agreement must receive a copy. Lodgers are excluded. If you use a letting agent to manage your property, the agent must issue the sheet — even if you have provided it yourself. Only the PDF downloaded from the official government page is valid. How to Provide the Information SheetYou must deliver the sheet to tenants either: As a printed hard copy, posted or handed directly Electronically as a PDF attachment via email or text ❌ You cannot simply email or text a link to the PDF — this will not meet the legal requirement.Deadlines and Penalties The Information Sheet must be issued by 31 May 2026. Failing to comply could result in a fine of up to £7,000. Other Important Notes Existing tenancy agreements do not need to be changed or re-issued. Tenancies that are entirely verbal (pre-1 May 2026) cannot receive this sheet. Instead, landlords must provide certain written information about key terms — see GOV.UK for “Tenancy agreements: written information for your tenant.” Social landlords letting non-social tenancies may also need to provide this sheet. Why This MattersProviding the Information Sheet is not just a legal requirement — it helps protect tenants’ rights while demonstrating that you are a professional and compliant landlord. At Anderson Knight Property Services, we ensure all landlords we manage are fully compliant with the Renters’ Rights Act. If you would like support issuing the Information Sheet or updating your tenancy processes, our team can help every step of the way.

Search site