Renters Reform Act – summary
We promised to update all our landlords on the changes in the Renters Reform Act, which has now passed into law. The changes will come in two parts, with the first changes commencing May 1st 2026, and the remainder in 2027. With increasing layers of regulation, it has never been more important for landlords to use a qualified, professional, and regulated letting agent to help navigate the complexities of renting and ensure landlords and tenants are properly protected.
What happens on 1 May 2026?
- All existing assured shorthold tenancies will automatically convert to the periodic tenancy
- All new tenancies signed on or after 1st May will follow the new rules, including the new processes for rent increases and pets.
- Any Section 21 notice served before 1 May 2026 remains valid until it expires (six months from service) or until the tenant vacates.
- This provides an operational buffer during the changeover and avoids a last-minute rush on possession processes.
- SLL note: Landlords won’t need to change or re-issue existing written tenancy agreements. Instead, SLL will be required to provide tenants with a copy of a UK Government-produced information sheet, explaining how the reforms may have affected the tenancy. SLL will ensure that the correct information is provided for your tenant in good time.
- There will be a ban on rent in advance payments
- A ban on rental bidding. SLL do not encourage this approach currently.
- Anti-discrimination measures will be introduced
- Your tenant will have the right to request a pet, which would not unreasonably be declined. There are stipulations on the reasons for refusing a pet which we can discuss.
- Rental increases will only be allowed once per annum.
- A Section 13 notice, as SLL use currently, will be the only method of submitting rent increases. Additional information on pricing comparables must also be included.
- Additional context will need to be provided when the property is advertised, particularly around the pricing of the rent. We will advise as we rent the property and all of our landlords will be covered by this regulation.
There is of course a significant amount of detail contained in the Act, and we will be staying across this as the regulation is introduced. Please get in touch with our Dalton office if you have any questions.
The team at South Lakes Lettings.