Renters Right Act - Implementation Date Confirmed

The government have announced an Implementation Date of the 1st May 2026 for the the initial phase of the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This first phase removes the use of section 21, fixed term tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies.

An overview of the implementation plans for the coming years can be seen on the Governments recently published Roadmap. Further information can also be found on their recently updated Guide to the Renters Rights Act.

Any clients managing their own properties and who are relying on tenancies coming to an end after 1st May 2026, may wish to strongly consider their use of Section 21 possession grounds whilst they are still available for use. A reminder that after this date, unless exemptions apply or permitted notices have been served, Landlords will likely not be able to require existing tenants to leave a property, as it could be a breach of the “anti-gaming” rules in the new section 16 E of the Housing Act 1988, introduced by section 13 RRA.  For Landlords issuing a valid Section 21 notice before the Renters' Rights Act comes into effect on 1 May 2026, it remains enforceable under the current rules. Court proceedings would need to be initiated using the Section 21 notice before its validity expires or before 31 July 2026, whichever comes first. Section 21 notices issued outside of these times frames will not be enforceable and Renters Rights Act rules will apply. Please note this is for information purposes only and not intended to be legal advice. Landlords should obtain advice on their own circumstances.

For clients on our Fully Managed Service, we will be issuing Section 21 notices as a matter of course, where applicable.

A reminder that we are offering Landlord clients the opportunity to come to our office to discuss any questions they may have. Simply respond to this email and we can arrange a convenient appointment.

Thank you.