What landlords need to know.
The Renters' Rights Act became law on 27 October 2025, with the first major tenancy reforms taking effect across England on 1 May 2026.
For landlords, that means reviewing how you grant tenancies, manage rent changes, advertise properties, respond to repair issues, and recover possession.
Whether you self-manage or use an agent, this is the point to tighten your paperwork, processes, and records before the new rules are live.
Key changes at a glance
The main reform areas, spaced out clearly.
These are the headline areas most landlords need to understand before reviewing their own portfolio setup.
Section 21 ends on 1 May 2026
Landlords will need to rely on valid possession grounds and well-kept records rather than no-fault notices.
Periodic tenancies become the norm
The shift away from fixed-term assured tenancies changes how lets are structured, ended, and reviewed.
Rent and advertising rules tighten
Rent increases, asking rents, upfront payments, and tenant selection all need a more disciplined process.
Paperwork and audit trails matter more
From tenancy information to compliance records, landlords need clearer documentation to reduce risk and disputes.
Watch the explainer
Renters' Rights Act protection for landlords
A practical overview of what the changes mean and how Enfields can help protect your property, processes, and income.
We help you stay compliant
Our team helps landlords tighten tenancy administration, rent review handling, advertising processes, documentation, and day-to-day management workflows so the new regime feels manageable rather than disruptive.
- Practical guidance on tenancy setup and notices
- Support around possession routes and evidence standards
- Clearer compliance files and management processes
Key date
1 May 2026
Coverage
Tenancies, rent, possession
Support
Practical landlord review
What to review now
Focus on the pressure points first.
For most landlords, the real challenge is not the headline reform. It is making sure the portfolio still runs cleanly once the new rules are in force.
Step 1
Update tenancy paperwork and onboarding documents for new lets from 1 May 2026.
Step 2
Plan how you will serve the government information sheet and any required written tenancy information.
Step 3
Review possession procedures so your team understands which Section 8 grounds apply and what evidence is needed.
Step 4
Check rent review templates, property adverts, and applicant handling against the new rules.
Step 5
Tighten compliance files for each property, including repair logs, safety records, deposit documents, and communication history.
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