From 1 May 2026, reforms set to take effect under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will start coming into force – marking just the beginning of the biggest changes residential tenancy-related law has seen in the last 50 years.
The Renters’ Rights Act, in a nutshell:
The Renters’ Rights Act revolves around strengthening the rights of tenants renting property from private landlords, paving the way for a more regulated, evidence-based system which imposes strict penalties for landlords who fail to comply with the regulations.
The reforms are set take effect in three phases – with full implementation expected to be achieved by 2037.
While this may seem like a long way off, big changes are set to come into force as early as May 2026 – and the deadlines to start putting safeguards in place are even earlier still.
How could the Renters’ Rights Act affect you?
Amongst the most notable changes coming in sooner rather than later, Section 21 notices – which enable landlords to evict tenants without requiring a reason to do so – are set to be abolished from 1 May 2026.
As such, if you’re planning to terminate a tenancy requiring two months’ notice, you only have until 30 April to do so via the Section 21 notice mechanism. Thereafter, tenancies must be terminated via a Section 8 notice – which only permits termination if one or more of the specified grounds are met.
What this means for you:
If you’re planning to serve a Section 21 notice for tenancies requiring six months’ notice: The deadline to serve a Section 21 notice passed on 31 January – you must now serve a Section 8 notice instead.
If you’re planning to terminate a tenancy requiring two months’ notice: You can still serve a Section 21 notice – but must do so before the deadline of 30 April. From 1 May 2026 onwards, you will need to serve a Section 8 notice.
The timeline:
To help you get to grips with the changes, here’s a phase-by-phase roadmap of the journey to implementation, where we’re heading next, and key deadlines for your diary:
What steps can you take to prepare?
For landlords intending to terminate tenancies requiring two months’ notice, the deadline of 30 April is fast-approaching – and now is the time to get your house in order.
Proactivity is key. If you think you may need to terminate a tenancy requiring two months’ notice via a Section 21 notice, here are just a few considerations you should be thinking about ahead of the changes taking effect:
- Identify and address any compliance gaps which could invalidate notices.
- Ensure notice is served in good time ahead of the 30 April deadline.
- The Renters’ Rights Act paves the way for a more regulated, evidence-based system where delays, stricter penalties, and increased tenant protections will abound – start laying the groundwork now to ensure you’re prepared.
Looking to prepare for the changes and need a helping hand?
The Renters’ Rights Act presents a host of pertinent considerations for landlords. As the scope of property legislation broadens and regulation tightens, now is the time to start laying the foundations to ensure a smooth transition.
With an unrivalled nationwide team of experts under one roof, we’ll examine your situation from all angles to curate a solution that’s purpose-built for your portfolio – and designed to stand the test of time.
If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you, please get in touch.