The Renters\u2019 Rights Act marks the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector in decades. For landlords, the shift isn\u2019t just about new rules \u2013 it\u2019s about a fundamental change in how tenancy agreements are written and managed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assured shorthold tenancies will be replaced by a single system of periodic tenancies from 1 May 2026. This means issuing a specific notice to existing tenants and a new written statement for new tenancies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out the latest government guidance for tenancy agreements and what the law means for landlords in England. Plus a legal expert at ARAG Law explains some of the key details you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abolishing fixed-term tenancies and replacing them with assured periodic tenancies is a huge change for the private rented sector. Along with scrapping Section 21 evictions and changing the rules on keeping pets, here’s how the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act will impact tenancy agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can\u2019t include a fixed term of six or 12 months in your tenancy agreement. Any clause attempting to sign up a tenant for a set period will be legally void.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notice periods are also affected as tenants will legally be able to end a tenancy at any time by giving two months\u2019 notice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the Renters\u2019 Rights Act signals the end of fixed term tenancies, you don’t necessarily need to rip up your existing one on 1 May. Faye Schneider, Principal Associate Solicitor at ARAG Law said: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no need to do anything with your current written agreements. For agreements that aren\u2019t in writing, landlords may want to formalise agreements before the reforms come into effect. However, we recommend that advice is taken before entering into any new agreements. For oral tenancies, there will be a requirement for landlords to provide a written statement of terms to tenants within a month of commencement of the Act.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any fixed-term tenancies will automatically convert into an assured periodic tenancy by law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Under the Act, it\u2019s now a legal requirement to provide tenants with a written statement of terms before a tenancy begins. While this can form part of your tenancy agreement, it must contain specific prescribed information which the government has outlined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the latest government draft, your agreement must now explicitly include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have a written fixed-term tenancy in place, <\/strong>you must provide your tenants with a government-produced information sheet<\/a> by 31 May 2026. This explains your tenants\u2019 new rights under the Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Faye Schneider stressed the importance of sharing the new documentation with your tenants. She said: “It’s crucial that all landlords and agents are aware of the requirement to provide the information sheet, because failure to do so could result in fines being imposed”<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the tenancy agreement is verbal,<\/strong> you must provide the full written statement of terms (as described above) by 31 May 2026. Any old clauses in current tenancy agreements, like blanket bans on pets or rent reviews will become unenforceable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Renters\u2019 Rights Act introduces implied terms that must be respected, even if they aren’t written into your existing agreement. These implied terms are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n With Section 21 evictions being abolished, you\u2019ll need to use a Section 8<\/a> notice if you need the property back. However, you can only use a Section 8 in certain circumstances: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The government is taking enforcement seriously. If you fail to do the following, you could be fined up to \u00a37,000 by your local authority: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Property law is a complex subject and not following the rules could result in a fine. It\u2019s a good idea to seek professional advice and read the government website on the <\/strong>Renters\u2019 Rights Act<\/strong><\/a> if you\u2019re not sure of anything.<\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n No, existing written agreements automatically convert to periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026. You don’t need to re-issue them, but you must provide an official information sheet to your tenant by 31 May 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The government has confirmed it will publish the official Information Sheet online in March 2026. Once available, you have until 31 May 2026 to provide it to existing tenants with written agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For new tenancies starting from 1 May 2026, you must provide the required terms before the tenants sign. For existing tenants, you must issue the official government information sheet (or a full written statement for verbal agreements) by 31 May 2026 to explain their new rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As one of the UK’s biggest business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\nMandatory clauses from 1 May \u2013 pets and safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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New possession grounds \u2013 the new Section 8<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Penalties for non-compliance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tenancy law changes FAQs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do I need to re-issue existing tenancy agreements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When will the government’s information sheet be available<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When do landlords need to inform tenants of the new rules?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n