Get Renters’ Rights Act Ready - What you need to know. What you need to do.
- Good Landlord Charter
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
The first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) will take effect on 1 May 2026. These changes affect renting to current and new tenants. Right now, this blog is looking at the changes to tenancies and actions needed by landlords.
The Good Landlord Charter is preparing landlords by working with Supporters to meet the criteria that overlap with the Act. Landlords who register with the Good Landlord Charter can access exclusive workshops to receive direct advice and guidance to get Renters’ Rights Act Ready. Being a Supporter of the Good Landlord Charter also means landlords can contact their professional advisor with RRA questions, send polices and documents for review and offer a contact to their tenants for all their Renters’ Rights Act questions. This is a big change for everyone, and we are here to help.
What to know right now about Assured Periodic Tenancies
As of 1 May, Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will automatically switch to Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs). An AST is the most common type of tenancy agreement and usually sets an initial 6-12 month fixed term. Landlords were allowed to use Section 21 to regain possession after the fixed term ends.
Written tenancy agreements will automatically switch to APTs from 1 May, which is a rolling, open-ended tenancy agreement. If there is not a written tenancy agreement, landlords must provide written information to the tenant outlining the terms of the agreement.
The possession grounds have been updated for APTs, with landlords now needing a valid reason for eviction. This means tenancy agreements with a contracted end date after 1 May will no longer terminate at the specified end date; they will become rolling tenancies. Landlords will not be able to use Section 21 to regain possession as that has been abolished.
What to do right now for current tenants
The Government has produced an Information Sheet explaining the change to Assured Periodic Tenancies. Landlords must share this with all their current tenants by 31 May 2026 or face up to a £7,000 fine.
For new tenancies after 1 May, important information must be provided in writing to tenants when creating a new tenancy. Failure to provide the right information before signing a tenancy agreement can also result in a fine of up to £7,000.
If you want to make sure you can avoid potential fines, register as a Supporter to receive free guidance.
What to prepare right now for future tenants
With the switch to APTs, it’s important that landlords are proactive with property inspections. You should be planning regular visits to ensure tenants are happy in their home and that the home is not in need of repair. Avoid costly maintenance and repairs by working with tenants to keep properties safe and decent on a rolling basis.
Supporters and Members of the Good Landlord Charter can get free advice from their professional advisor about how to be proactive in property inspections.
Supporters who attend our 'Moving towards Membership’ workshop can speak to the Membership and Quality team about their RRA checklist to ensure landlords are prepared for the changes and bring all their questions and policies for review.
Supporters who attend our 'Moving towards Membership’ workshop can speak to the Membership and Quality team about which of the Charter's Membership criteria prepares them for the changes with RRA.
