From 1 May 2026, landlords and letting agents across England will have a new legal obligation to provide tenants with detailed information about their rights under the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act. This landmark legislation introduces significant changes to the rental sector, including the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, and aims to enhance security and protections for the 11 million private renters in England.

New legal duty to inform tenants

With just six weeks remaining until the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, the government has published an official information sheet designed to help tenants understand the key changes to their tenancy agreements. Landlords and agents must legally supply this document to all tenants by 31 May 2026, either as a hard copy or electronically, to comply with the new requirements and avoid penalties.

The information sheet clearly explains the practical implications of the Act, including stronger safeguards against rent increases, improved rights for tenants to request permission for pets, and the removal of fixed-term assured tenancies alongside the scrapping of Section 21 evictions. This is the most significant reform of private renting in a generation, aiming to rebalance the relationship between renters and landlords.

Preparing landlords and tenants for change

The government is actively supporting landlords and tenants to prepare for the transition. The information sheet is intended to be straightforward and accessible, enabling tenants to familiarise themselves with their new rights without needing to take any immediate action beyond reading the document.

For landlords and agents, the publication of this guidance provides clarity on their responsibilities ahead of the Act’s implementation. The government has also made available further detailed instructions and resources on its campaign website to assist landlords in meeting their new legal duties effectively.

Voices from the sector

Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, welcomed the Act as a major step towards securing greater stability for renters. He emphasised the importance of tenants understanding their new rights and knowing how to respond if landlords fail to comply with the rules.

The Renters’ Rights Act is a major step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords, giving us greater security in our homes.

Ahead of the new law coming into action, it’s vital renters take the time to understand what these new rights are and how to respond if landlords break the rules.

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, highlighted the significance of the published materials for landlords, noting that they provide essential assurance and clarity on the steps landlords must take. He urged landlords to engage with their tenants promptly to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulatory framework.

We welcome publication of the material needed to ensure landlords are fully prepared for the Renters’ Rights Act. It will provide vital assurance and clarity about what they need to do next.

With just six weeks to go until the biggest changes to the rental sector in a generation, it is important that landlords work with their tenants now to ensure a seamless change to the new systems coming into force from 1st May.

Additional guidance and compliance

Existing tenants without a written tenancy agreement are exempt from receiving the government’s information sheet. Instead, their landlords or agents must provide a written statement outlining the key terms of the tenancy and other legally required information by the same 31 May deadline.

The government will soon publish comprehensive guidance for tenants detailing their new rights under the Act, further supporting renters in understanding and exercising their protections.

What this means for landlords

Landlords must ensure they are fully compliant with the new legal duty to provide tenants with the Renters’ Rights Act information sheet by the end of May 2026. Failure to do so could result in fines, making it imperative to act promptly.

Providing this information is not only a legal obligation but also an opportunity for landlords to foster positive relationships with tenants by clearly communicating the changes and demonstrating commitment to compliance. Early engagement with tenants will help minimise confusion and disputes as the new rules take effect.

Source: Based on reporting from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/