As we approach the first implementation phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (“RRA 2025”) – coming into force on 1 May 2026 – landlords should begin preparing now to ensure they remain compliant with the new legal requirements. Below, we break down the key steps landlords should take to ensure their tenancy agreements comply.

1. Review Existing Tenancy Arrangements for compliance with new implied terms

(If you’re unsure whether your arrangement is a licence or a tenancy, click here to read our post on how a licence agreement can, in reality, amount to a tenancy.)

From 1 May 2026, new implied terms will be incorporated into tenancy agreements and any written terms to the contrary will be deemed invalid and will be unenforceable.

Landlords will not be able to include terms which: –

• Impose fixed terms. Tenants can no longer be bound for a set number of months or years.
• Imply “No-Fault” Evictions can be carried out. Following the abolition of Section 21, Landlords cannot imply that possession can be obtained without legal grounds.
• Refuse tenants from keeping pets in the property. Landlords cannot refuse to consider reasonable requests.
• Refuse tenants with children from living in the property. These clauses will not be lawful and will be considered discriminatory.
• Refuse tenants in receipt of benefits. These clauses will not be lawful and will be considered discriminatory.
• Include contractual rent review provisions. Rent increases must follow the new and amended statutory provisions in Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.

2. Prepare Written Statements and/or Information Sheets

One of the most significant new obligations under the RRA 2025 is the requirement to provide tenants with a written statement containing certain written information about key terms of the tenancy before entering any new assured tenancy from 1 May 2026.

(a) New Tenancies from 1 May 2026

For any new assured tenancy created on or after this date, landlords or their agents must serve a written statement before the tenancy is entered into. Draft government guidance has been issued to help landlords prepare for this requirement. The guidance provided suggests that the information can be:

• Included within the tenancy agreement, or
• Provided as a separate document.

(b) Existing Tenancies Before 1 May 2026

Landlords with existing written tenancy agreements do not need to provide the written statement. Instead, they will be required to serve a government-issued information sheet, which has now been published. This must be provided to all existing tenants by 31 May 2026.

(c) Existing Oral Tenancies

If a tenancy was created orally (with no written record) prior to 1 May 2026, the landlord must provide the written statement within one month, i.e., by 31 May 2026.

Failure to comply with these provisions may attract financial penalties.

Our Property Litigation Team is here to help you prepare for the upcoming changes and provide tailored advice on the requirements for tenancy agreements and how to comply.

Upcoming Event: The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: What the Changes Mean for Landlords and Letting Agents

Join our Property Litigation specialists for a clear and practical overview of what the reforms mean in practice. The session will explain the new requirements, outline the phased implementation timetable and highlight the potential risks for non-compliance. There will also be guidance on steps that landlords and agents should be taking now in order to prepare.

• Date: 16th of April 2026
• Hosted by: Rachel Gimson, Rebecca Stubbs, Georgina Galton
• Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
• Location: Online Webinar

Register here