After two years of planning, we now know that the first stage of the Renter’s Rights Act will come into effect on 1 May 2026.
Here, Gareth Atkins, Managing Director - Lettings, and Fran Giltinan, Managing Director - Property Management run through the key points to note and discuss how to be prepared as a landlord:
🎬 Watch: Latest Renters' Rights Act news
Phase 1 of the Renter’ Rights Act – effective from 1 May 2026
• Fixed terms tenancies will be abolished and will be replaced by rolling periodic contracts
• An end to accepting offers over asking price
• Clearer language on tenant discrimination and pets in tenancy
• Annual rent reviews under Section 13
• The end of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and strengthened grounds for possession through Section 8
Phase 2 of the Renter’ Rights Act – effective from late 2026
• A new landlord database of property compliance
• A new Ombudsman to escalate tenancy issues
Phase 3 of the Renter’ Rights Act – effective date yet to be clarified by the government
•Decent Homes Standards and Awaab’s Law applicable to the private rented sector, dealing with the repair obligations, most notably mould
At the same time as confirming the effective date, the Government has published guidance documents guidance documents, with more specific guidance still to be released at a later date. Foxtons will be scrutinising these and all future releases from the Government, which underline the value of a Property Management relationship with Foxtons now more than ever.
When we manage your property we will find the right tenant, achieve the right price for your property and manage your asset to make sure it delivers a good return on your investment as well as remaining compliant. You can find out more about Foxtons Property Management and Rent Protection using the following link:
