The UK’s 2026 Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet

The countdown is on! The first phase of the UK Renters’ Rights Act 2026 is just six weeks away, marking the biggest shake-up in the private rental market in nearly 30 years. To ensure every tenant knows their new rights, the UK Government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has issued a strict mandatory notice for all landlords and letting agents.

⚠️ Urgent Compliance Alert for Landlords:
By 31 May 2026, all landlords must provide current tenants with the official Information Sheet detailing the new tenant rights. Even if you don’t have a written tenancy agreement, statutory information must still be provided.

• Miss it or delay? You could face civil fines up to £7,000.

• Just sending a web link? Legally invalid. The government requires printed documents handed over or mailed, or a PDF attachment sent via email.

What Has Really Changed? Five Key Tenant Rights You Must Know

Here’s a quick summary of the 5 biggest changes landlords need to be aware of:

1. No More “No-Fault Evictions”

   • Section 21 is officially abolished from 1 May 2026.

   • Landlords can only regain possession for legal reasons (Section 8).

   • In the first 12 months of a tenancy, “selling” or “moving in yourself” are no longer valid grounds.

2. Fixed-Term Tenancies Are History

   • All assured tenancies automatically convert to rolling tenancies after 1 May 2026.

   • The “Assured Shorthold Tenancy” name is replaced by Assured Periodic Tenancy.

3. Rent Increases Are Restricted

   • Existing rent review clauses are invalid.

   • Rent can only be increased once per year using Form 4A, with 2 months’ written notice.

   • The increase cannot exceed market rates.

4. Tenant Pet Rights

   • Tenants can request to keep pets.

   • Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse and must provide written justification if they do.

5. Special Rules for Student Tenancies

   • Landlords wanting to regain a property at the end of the academic year must issue written notice by 31 May 2026 (Ground 4A).

   • Missing this deadline could mean losing the right to reclaim the property.

2026 Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet Summary

Scope & Applicability:

• Applies to assured or assured short-term tenancies in the private rental sector.

• Social housing tenants and lodgers are generally not included.

• Landlords cannot override these statutory rights in tenancy agreements.

• The rules automatically apply from 1 May 2026, even without a new contract.

Highlights:

1. Eviction Notices Before 1 May 2026: Section 8 or Section 21 notices issued before this date may still follow old rules.

2. Rolling Tenancies: Fixed terms end; tenancies automatically continue monthly until mutual agreement or legal reason to end.

3. Rent Increases:

   • Must use Form 4A; once per year, 2 months’ notice.

   • Rent hikes above market rate can be challenged in First-tier Tribunal.

4. Ending Tenancy by Landlord:

   • Only valid for legal reasons (e.g., unpaid rent, antisocial behavior, property mismanagement).

   • First-year protection applies; selling or moving in is not allowed.

5. Ending Tenancy by Tenant: Tenants may end tenancy with at least 2 months’ written notice.

6. Pets: Written refusal required if landlord denies request; tenants can challenge in court.

7. Student Tenancies: Ground 4A eviction must have 4 months’ notice, with termination date between 1 June – 30 September, and notice issued before 31 May 2026.

Official PDF & Compliance Guide

With less than two months to the 31 May 2026 deadline, landlords managing their own properties cannot afford to miss this crucial document—or risk £7,000 fines.

📥 Download the Official PDF

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