Preparing for the Renters Rights Act: Practical Steps for Landlords Ahead of May 2026

What the Renters Rights Act Means for Landlords from May 2026

The UK government has published detailed guidance for tenants ahead of the Renters Rights Act taking effect on 1 May 2026. This legislation reforms possession notice rules and eviction procedures, aiming to strengthen tenant protections. It builds on existing frameworks such as the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and introduces clearer rules around rental discrimination and Rent Repayment Orders (RROs).

For landlords, this means reviewing and revising tenancy management processes to align with new legal requirements or face a high risk of non-compliance and financial penalties.

Key Compliance Areas and Risks

• Possession Notices and Eviction Procedures: Notices served before and after 1 May 2026 must comply with updated formats and grounds for possession. Failure to follow these procedures can invalidate eviction attempts.

• Tenant Fees Act 2019 Compliance: All fees charged must remain within the legal limits. This includes deposits, holding fees, and any ancillary charges.

• Rental Discrimination: The Act reinforces prohibitions on discriminatory practices in tenant selection, referencing, and service provision. Landlords must ensure policies are fair and transparent.

• Rent Repayment Orders Offences: Offences such as illegal eviction or harassment can lead to RROs, where tenants can reclaim up to 12 months’ rent paid. Awareness and prevention are critical.

Practical Implications for Different Landlord Profiles

• Single-Unit Landlords: Often managing themselves, these landlords must familiarise themselves with updated possession notice formats and ensure they do not inadvertently discriminate or charge unlawful fees.

• HMO and Portfolio Landlords: Larger operations should conduct comprehensive audits of tenancy documents, staff training, and agent practices to embed compliance at scale.

• Accidental Landlords: Those new or part-time landlords should seek professional advice or support to navigate these changes and avoid costly mistakes.

Recommended Immediate Actions

1. Review and Update Tenancy Documentation: Ensure all notices, tenancy agreements, and fee schedules comply with the Renters Rights Act and Tenant Fees Act 2019.

2. Train Staff and Agents: Arrange training sessions to cover new eviction procedures, tenant rights, and anti-discrimination obligations.

3. Audit Fees and Charges: Cross-check all fees against legal limits, removing any that could breach the Tenant Fees Act.

4. Implement Anti-Discrimination Policies: Review tenant selection criteria and referencing procedures to guarantee fairness and legal compliance.

5. Prepare for Rent Repayment Order Claims: Keep detailed records and maintain good tenant relations to reduce the risk of disputes escalating.

Benchmarking and Monitoring

Where specific guidance or figures are absent, landlords should benchmark local practices through landlord associations or legal advisors. Regular compliance audits, ideally annually, will help identify risks early.

How Rentals & Sales Can Support You

Our team offers tailored portfolio reviews, compliance audits, and pricing strategy consultations to help you transition smoothly into the new regulatory landscape. We can assist with updating tenancy documents, staff training workshops, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

Compliance Disclaimer

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should consult a qualified solicitor or compliance specialist to address specific circumstances.