On 1 May 2026, the first phase of the Renters\u2019 Rights Act came into effect. This legislation introduces fundamental changes to tenancy structures, eviction processes, and financial conduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With so many things changing, it can be easy to not understand what your responsibilities are as a landlord come the end of the month. Here are five things you need to do before the 31 May in order to stay compliant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have tenants on an Assured Tenancy or Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) that was created before 1 May 2026, and you have a written agreement in place, you are legally required to provide them with the new government Renters\u2019 Rights Act information sheet 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This must be done by the 31 May 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more<\/strong>: information sheet published<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Not all tenancies have a formal written contract. If you have an existing tenancy based on a verbal agreement made before 1 May 2026, the standard Information Sheet process doesn’t apply to you in the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, the Act requires you to provide these tenants with a written summary outlining the key terms of their tenancy. This document must clearly state the agreed-upon rules, rent, and responsibilities, and it must be supplied to the tenant on or before the 31 May 2026 deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new rules bring specific changes for the student rental market. If you rent to students and plan to reclaim your property at the end of the current academic year, you need to act before the 31 May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To rely on the updated Ground 4A (the specific possession ground for student lets), you have until 31 May 2026 to give your current tenants formal written notice, stating that you may require the property back using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without this prior notice served by the 31 May deadline, you may face significant hurdles when trying to transition the property to a new group of students for the next academic year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you use a letting agent or property management company, do not assume they have automatically handled things for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the Renters’ Rights Act, the legal and financial liability ultimately rests on you, the landlord. If your agent misses the deadline, it’s you who’s at fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before 31 May, you should contact your agent and ask a few important questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over 200,000 UK landlord policies, a 9\/10 customer rating and claims handled by an award-winning team. Looking to switch or start a new policy? Run a quick landlord insurance quote<\/a> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Formalise verbal agreements with written terms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Student landlords: issue your notices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Confirm compliance with your letting agent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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