Renters' Rights Act checklist for landlords (2026)

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The first phase of the Renters' Rights Act took effect across England's private rented sector on 1 May 2026. Section 21 "no-fault" evictions ended, tenancies became rolling, rent can rise only once a year, and rental bidding is banned [1][2]. Landlords with written tenancies that existed before 1 May had to give tenants the official Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. For verbal tenancies, a written record of the terms was due by the same date [3]. Fines go up to £7,000 or £40,000 depending on the breach [3].

What must landlords in England do under the Renters' Rights Act?

Phase 1 took effect in England on 1 May 2026. The checklist below is the practical list, including the 31 May 2026 Information Sheet deadline [1][2][3].

The checklist

  1. Information Sheet: if a written tenancy started before 1 May 2026, give your tenants the official Information Sheet. The deadline was 31 May 2026 [3][4].
  2. Verbal tenancies: give a written record of the terms instead. This was also due by 31 May 2026 [3].
  3. New tenancies from 1 May 2026: give certain information in writing before the tenancy is agreed, for example in the tenancy agreement [3][5].
  4. Use the new prescribed forms where you need them [1].
  5. Rent increases: update your process to the new once-a-year rules [2][3].
  6. Adverts: show the asking rent, and don't ask for, encourage or accept offers above it [3].
  7. Discrimination: remove clauses that restrict tenants with children or tenants receiving benefits. These are now void [3].
  8. Keep certificates current. A new tenancy still needs a valid gas safety certificate, EPC and EICR before move-in [5]. See how often landlords need a gas safety check and smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules.
  9. Keep a repair paper trail. Awaab's Law is due to reach private renting in a later phase [1], so start logging when you learned of a problem and what you did. See how long a landlord has to do repairs and Awaab's Law for private landlords.

What's coming next

The government roadmap lists a PRS Landlord Ombudsman and a landlord database from late 2026 onwards, and Awaab's Law and the Decent Homes Standard in a later phase with no date set yet [1].

The wider England list, including gas, EICR, EPC, deposit and alarms, is the landlord compliance checklist UK 2026.

Gaffy flags gas safety, EICR and EPC certificates before they expire and keeps a timestamped repair record. It's free for the first month, with no card.

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Renters' Rights Act FAQs

When did the Renters' Rights Act start?

Phase 1 took effect in England on 1 May 2026 [1][2].

Is section 21 abolished?

Yes, from 1 May 2026 for England's private rented sector [1][2].

What happens if I missed the Information Sheet deadline?

The government says landlords who didn't give it by 31 May 2026 could be fined up to £7,000 [4]. Give it now and take advice.

Does it apply in Wales or Scotland?

No. These changes apply to England [3].

How can Gaffy help?

Gaffy flags gas safety, EICR and EPC certificates before they expire and gives your tenants a repair link that needs no app. The first month is free, then it's £12 a month for up to 5 properties, plus £4 a month for each additional property. Every repair report is timestamped with its photos, so you build a record as you go.

Sources

  1. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renters-rights-act-2025-implementation-roadmap/implementing-the-renters-rights-act-2025-our-roadmap-for-reforming-the-private-rented-sector
  2. https://housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-changing/
  3. https://housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/172/2026/04/503154_MHCLG_PRS_A4_Checklist_Web.pdf
  4. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-renters-rights-act-information-sheet-2026
  5. https://www.nrla.org.uk/resources/creating-your-tenancy/compliance-checklist-for-new-tenancy

General information, not legal advice.