In our November 2025 update, we outlined the key changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 following Royal Assent, including the abolition of section 21, the move to periodic tenancies and the introduction of new possession grounds such as Ground 4A for student HMOs.
As implementation draws closer, January 2026 has brought further clarity on timing and compliance requirements, particularly around written information that must be provided to tenants from May 2026.
Written statement of terms for tenancies
From 1 May 2026, all new periodic tenancies must be accompanied by a written statement of key terms. This can either be incorporated into the tenancy agreement itself or provided as a separate document, but it must be given to the tenant before occupation begins.
The information to be provided includes:
- the full names and contact details of the landlord and tenant(s);
- the address of the property;
- the date the tenant is entitled to occupy;
- the amount of rent, when it is payable and how it is to be paid; and
- details of any other charges or bills for which the tenant is responsible.
In addition, landlords of existing tenancies will be required to provide tenants with a government-prescribed information document summarising the key changes introduced by RRA. Where a tenancy has been agreed orally or informally, a written summary of the main terms will also be required.
Failure to comply with these documentation requirements is expected to restrict landlords’ ability to rely on possession grounds and may expose them to enforcement action.
Further detail is available here: The Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026
Government guidance confirms:
- tenancies that started before 1st May 2026 – you won’t need to change or re-issue any existing written tenancy agreements. Instead, all you’ll need to do is send your tenants a government-produced information sheet before 31st May 2026. We’ll publish this information sheet in March 2026.
- tenancies that start on or after 1st May 2026 – you’ll need to provide your tenants with certain information about the tenancy in writing. You could do this in a tenancy agreement. In January 2026, we’ll publish details on what information must be included to give you sufficient time to prepare your tenancy agreement template.
Final reminder: section 21 notices must be served by 30 April 2026
As flagged in our November 2025 update, section 21 “no-fault” evictions will be abolished as part of the first implementation phase.
The last date on which a valid section 21 notice can be served is 30 April 2026. Any notice served after that date will be invalid. Notices served before this deadline will remain capable of being relied upon, provided all existing statutory requirements have been met.
From 1 May 2026, possession will only be possible using the revised section 8 grounds introduced by the RRA.
Next steps
With the first implementation date now clearly in view, this is a critical period for reviewing:
- tenancy agreements and written processes; and
- possession strategies where section 21 may still be relevant.
We will continue to publish updates as further regulations and guidance are released. In the meantime, early planning and accurate legal guidance will be essential. Our dispute resolution team can advise on the legalities and understanding how the new possession grounds will operate in practice.
For clear, practical advice on how the RRA may affect your property interests, get in touch with Sweeney Miller Law on 0345 900 5401, email enquiries@sweeneymiller.co.uk or visit www.sweeneymiller.co.uk
