Renters’ Rights Act 2025: Ready, set, go!
min readIt is ready, set, go for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 today, 1 May 2026. All existing ASTs automatically convert to Assured Monthly Periodic Tenancies (AMPTs) and most new residential tenancies in the private rented sector will be granted as AMPTs going forward.
This will fundamentally change the renting process in England. Tenants can give two months’ notice to leave the property as tenancies will continue month to month rather than for a fixed term. Landlords will need to prove a ground of possession following service of a Section 8 Notice. Rent increases will require landlords to follow a statutory process (no more than once per year) commencing with the service of a Notice of Increase of rent and tenants will be able to challenge the validity of a notice or the proposed rent in the FTT.
The key reminders for landlords on the go live date of 1 May 2026 are:
- Serve the prescribed form The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 on existing ASTs and assured tenants before 31 May 2026 and retain evidence of service.
- Ensure that new AMPTs include the written statement of terms in addition to any other terms landlords wish to include.
- It is no longer necessary to serve the Government’s booklet: “How to rent: the checklist for renting in England” as this requirement has been removed under the legislation.
- Use the new prescribed form Section 13 Notice of Increase of Rent;
- Use the new prescribed form Section 8 Notice seeking possession;
- Ensure possession proceedings are issued at the expiry of any existing Section 21 Notice within 6 months of service and by the long stop date of 31 July 2026.
- Become familiar with the new and updated grounds for possession.
- If intending to rely on the new Ground 4A for possession (HMOs let to full-time students), serve written notice of that intention by 31 May 2026.
There is lots for landlords and tenants to get to grips with in the new regime. We are continuing to track developments on our Essential Residential Hub.
“Labour’s flagship rental reforms come into effect on 1 May, bringing sweeping and permanent changes to the UK’s rental landscape. From Friday, dozens of changes will come into effect that will majorly change how landlords and tenants – and the contracts between them – operate.”
