Agents - are you prepared for the Renters Rights Act?

The May 1 deadline is looming, bringing with it the end of section 21 no-fault evictions and the automatic move to periodic tenancies, but are you – and the landlords on your books – ready for the changes?

Phase one of the Renters’ Rights Act is the most significant transformation of the PRS in decades. The government has been pushing hard on communications campaigns to inform tenants and landlords of what the changes will mean for them. However, it’s likely that both parties will still need support to manage the transition, providing extra opportunities for agencies to answer questions they may have and offer additional services that may be required.

Distribute the government’s information sheet

One of the most urgent changes will be to distribute the recently published Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 to tenants. This sets out the changes within the act, providing the new rules on which their tenancies will be based post-May 1. The document must be provided by the end of May latest, otherwise a £7,000 fine can be imposed. It must be provided by you for any property you are managing on behalf of a landlord, even if the landlord has already distributed a copy.

A copy must be given to every tenant named on the tenancy agreement and must be the exact PDF on the government website, printed out and sent by post or given in person, or sent electronically as a PDF attachment – rather than just a link.

Offer a thorough tenant-screening process

The end of no-fault evictions and the automatic move to periodic tenancies put extra emphasis on choosing the right tenants in the first place. Tenant screening has become more important as a result, including the need for thorough affordability checks, since the act also introduces extra time and protection for tenants who fall into rental arrears.

Provide guidance on possession grounds

Grounds for possession have changed with the end of section 21, with a new process to follow for landlords to recover their properties. Section 8 provides valid reasons for eviction – such as wanting to move into or sell the property – but these come with caveats, including four months’ notice by landlords and a 12-month reletting exclusion.  For possession grounds to be valid, deposits must have been protected and, once introduced in a later stage of the act’s implementation, landlords must have also registered on the private rented sector database.

Ensure a regular inspection and maintenance schedule

It could be easy, with the introduction of rolling tenancies, to let inspection schedules slip. However, these are now more important than ever for maintaining properties and keeping tenants happy. It’s also a good opportunity to build on tenant relationships, encouraging regular, open communication between tenants and managing agents or landlords, especially since there will now be less clarity on when tenants might give notice.

Provide evidence and guidance on local market rents

The end of rent review clauses and a new process for rent increases also need managing. A revised section 13 process must be followed, with two months’ notice given to tenants. Most importantly, it must be comparable to local market rents and can be challenged by tenants if it’s not. More than one month’s rent in advance and rental bidding will also be forbidden – meaning that it’s no longer possible to let competition decide the final rent. Providing a clear picture of local market rents will help support correct rental levels.

Offering support

Some landlords will take the Renters’ Rights Act in their stride. Others might need additional support and ultimately decide that they are better off with an agent managing their property. The ultimate goal of the Renters’ Rights Act is to improve standards in the sector – and agents can play a leading role in that aim by offering services and support to landlords and tenants alike.

To learn more about how we can support your lettings business, contact team@valpal.co.uk