Renters’ Rights Act 2025: March 2026 Update

In our previous updates, we outlined the key changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 following Royal Assent. As we approach May 2026, we now turn to the major reforms that are due to come into force.

Landlords must provide the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 to all relevant existing tenants by 31 May 2026. This document explains how the new legislation affects their tenancy.

The Information Sheet must be served in one of the following ways by the deadline:

• Hard copy – printed and posted or handed directly to the tenant.
• Electronic format – sending a PDF attachment via email or text message.

Failure to provide the Information Sheet on time may result in a fine of up to £7,000. Further details are available on the Government website here.

If your tenancy was created verbally, you cannot rely on this Information Sheet alone. You must also provide the required details of the tenancy’s key terms, as outlined in our February update.

What the Information Sheet outlines to tenants

Notices served before 1 May 2026

If a landlord serves a Section 8 or Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, the new rules will not apply. Tenants can still be taken to court under the current law, provided the notice was issued before the deadline.

Fixed Term tenancies End

From 1 May 2026, all assured and assured shorthold tenancies will automatically convert to Assured Periodic Tenancies, regardless of what the written agreement says.

Rent Increases by Section 13 Only

Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, with: Two months written notice, use of prescribed Form 4A and increases reflecting open market rent. Tenants will continue to have the right to challenge increases they believe to be above market value via the First-tier Tribunal.

Landlords should review their existing documents and ensure future rent adjustments are compliant.

Section 21 ‘No Fault’ Evictions to end

From 1 May 2026, landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without giving a statutory reason. Possession will only be possible using the updated Section 8 grounds such as: rent arrears, antisocial behaviour. Failure to maintain the property and intention to sell the property.

Landlords should ensure paperwork, recordkeeping and evidence are robust from the outset of every tenancy.

Greater Flexibility for Tenants

Tenants may end a periodic tenancy at any time by giving a minimum of two months’ written notice.

Right to Request a Pet

A new right for tenants is to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse, must provide a written response with reasons and should consider each request on a case by case basis. Tenants will have the ability to challenge unreasonable refusals through the court. Landlords may want to review insurance and property policies in anticipation of this change.

Students and Ground 4A

For HMOs let solely to full‑time students, landlords may seek possession at the end of the academic year with four months’ notice between 1 June and 30 September.

For the 2025/26 transitional year, notices may be served between 1 May and 30 July 2026 and a special dispensation has been given this year to provide a notice period of 2 months.

How we can help

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents a substantial restructuring of private rental law.

If you’re a landlord seeking guidance our Dispute Resolution team can provide clear, practical legal advice tailored to your circumstances.

For clear, practical advice on how the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 may affect your property interests, get in touch with Sweeney Miller Law on 0345 900 5401 or email enquiries@sweeneymiller.co.uk or visit www.sweeneymiller.co.uk