⏳The Renters’ Rights Act: The 3-Month Countdown Has Begun!
Do you understand what's included in phase one of the Renters' Rights Act? Knowing what's coming is the first step in preparing for the changes. 👀📘
The Renters’ Rights Act has now passed into law. ⚖️ Phase One will apply from 1st May 2026. So, what’s happening?!
From 27th December 2025, local councils were given stronger powers to inspect properties, demand documents, and access third-party data to crack down on rogue landlords and enforce housing standards more effectively.
📅 What’s coming on the 1st May? Phase One
The following will apply from the 1st May 2026:
- Section 21 Notices will be abolished 🚫. The only route to possession for a landlord will be using the Section 8 route.
- Fixed-term tenancies will be abolished for all new tenancies 🏠. New tenancies will be Assured Periodic Tenancies, which will run until either the tenant gives two months’ notice or the landlord seeks possession under a Section 8 route - new ASTs will be produced ahead of 1st May.
- All existing fixed-term tenancies will move to an Assured Periodic Tenancy - communication will need to be sent to all existing fixed-term tenancies; a template will come from the Government 🏛️.
- New possession grounds will be introduced to allow landlords to gain possession where tenants commit anti-social behaviour or who are in serious rent arrears - there will be conditions attached to this.
- Landlords will be able to serve notice in cases where they need to gain possession due to the sale of the property or where the property is required for them or a member of their family. This cannot be served within the first 12 months of the tenancy ⏳.
- Rent increase clauses in ASTs will not be able to be used for any rent increases. All rent increases will be via a revised Section 13 procedure, giving the tenant two months’ notice. Only one rent review can be served in a 12-month period, and the review has to be at ‘market rent value’.
- Rental bidding will be banned 🚫💰, meaning you cannot seek or accept any rent higher than what is advertised as the monthly rent.
- Landlords and their agents will not be able to request more than one month’s rent in advance. There is some indication that tenants may be able to offer rent in advance if this fits with their financial circumstances, but this must come from the tenant and is to be confirmed in final Government guidance.
- It will be illegal for agents to discriminate by refusing tenants on the basis that they have children or are in receipt of benefits:
- It will be illegal for agents to discriminate by refusing tenants on the basis that they have children or are in receipt of benefits.
- You will not be able to refuse a prospective tenant the opportunity to view a property on the basis that they have children or are in receipt of benefits.
- You will not be able to ‘withhold’ available properties 🏠 from prospective tenants on the basis that they have children or are in receipt of benefits.
- Pets in rented homes 🐾 All landlords will be required to consider a request from a tenant to have a pet and make a decision within 28 days ⏱️. Any refusal will need valid reasons.
Everyone here at M&M are here to help you prepare for the Act and help insure you remain compliant and make informed decisions. ✅
Got a question straight away? Contact our team - we're here and ready to help!
📍 M&M Estate Agents, Gravesend, DA12 1AH
📞 01474 321957
📧 lettings@mandmprop.co.uk
