TODAY’S THE DAY!

From 1 May 2026, as a result of the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords must give all new tenants written information about the key terms of the tenancy before the parties sign or otherwise agree the tenancy. This duty also applies to existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST) that are entirely verbal, with the information to be provided by 31 May 2026.

In any event, even if there is a written record of the terms containing relevant information, a landlord must serve the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet to all existing tenants with a written tenancy agreement (or written terms) by 31 May 2026. For new tenancies starting on or after 1 May 2026, the information must be provided before the tenancy is signed.

There are other changes restricting rent reviews to the statutory procedure, permitting tenants to terminate tenancy on 2 months’ notice and abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.

Going forward, with new tenants there are further discrimination restrictions. These provisions mean that a landlord cannot discriminate on applicants taking a tenancy if they are on benefits or have children.

In addition, for both existing tenancies and new tenancies, from 1 May 2026 a tenant will have the right to request permission to keep a pet, which a Landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.

Should you require any advice on how this may affect you and your next steps as either a landlord or tenant please get in touch.