Phase one requirements for landlords

CHAPTER TWO

Phase one requirements for landlords

Now that first reforms of the Renters’ Rights Act are in effect, landlords should focus on practical, portfolio-wide compliance and ongoing management.

Update tenancy agreements

Tenancy agreements should be reviewed and updated to reflect the new legal structure.

Key updates include:

Removing references to fixed terms and renewals
Checking agreements are suitable for rolling periodic tenancies
Reviewing clauses relating to rent increases, notice requirements, and pet restrictions

Update possession processes

With the removal of Section 21, existing possession processes must be updated.

Landlords should:

Understand Section 8 grounds fully
Be ready to rely on evidence rather than notice periods
Keep detailed records of tenant behaviour and payments

Update rent and referencing processes

With restrictions on upfront rent:

Focus on affordability checks
Plan rent reviews carefully and formally

Check your deposit compliance

Landlords must make sure:

Deposits are protected within 30 days
Prescribed information has been served correctly
Records are complete and accessible

Issue the Government Information Sheet

You must provide the required Government Information Sheet to all tenants before 31 May 2026. Read our article on the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet for full guidance on what must be issued and when.

What has been your biggest priority since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force?

Understanding Section 8 rules
Updating tenancy agreements
Reviewing deposits and compliance
Issuing the Government's information sheet before 31 May

30-day action plan

This 30-day action plan outlines the key steps landlords should take to achieve full compliance and operational readiness by May 2026

Before 1 May 2026 you should have done the following	Review tenancy agreements and remove fixed-term references Check deposit protection compliance across all properties Make sure all required tenancy documentation is complete and up to date Familiarise yourself with the new Section 8 possession grounds and evidence requirements Inspect rent review processes to make sure they align with the new rules
During May 2026	Manage all tenancies as periodic agreements Follow the correct legal process for rent increases Handle possession using Section 8 grounds only, supported by evidence Respond to tenant pet requests in line with the new rules and within required timeframes
Before 31 May 2026	Issue the required Government Information Sheet to all tenants within the statutory deadline

Important note: For verbal tenancies that existed before 1 May 2026, landlords must provide a written statement of terms by 31 May 2026 instead of the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet.