Renters' Rights Act 2025: a landlord checklist for England

The main changes in the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into force in England on 1 May 2026. This checklist sets out what private landlords in England need to have done, or need to do from now on. It is general information, not legal advice.

Want to check where you stand? Our free landlord compliance checklist asks a few questions and lists the gaps.

1. Understand what changed on 1 May 2026

• Section 21 “no-fault” notices were abolished for private tenancies. Read what landlords can use instead.
• Assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies. There is no fixed term.
• Tenants can end the tenancy by giving two months’ notice.
• You must not unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet.

2. Existing tenancies: the information sheet

• If a tenancy existed on 1 May 2026 and had a written agreement, you had to give the tenant the government information sheet by 31 May 2026.
• If you missed the deadline, give it as soon as possible.
• Keep proof of when and how you gave it.

Our information sheet cover letter encloses the sheet, summarises the changes and records how you delivered it. It does not replace the information sheet itself.

3. New tenancies: the written statement of terms

• Give a written statement of terms before a new tenancy is entered into.
• Include an address in England or Wales where the tenant can serve notices on you.
• Explain that rent can only be increased using section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.
• State that you cannot unreasonably refuse a request to keep a pet.

Local councils can issue civil penalties for failing to provide a written statement. Create one with our written statement of terms.

4. Rent increases: Form 4A only

• Use a Section 13 notice on Form 4A. It is the only way to increase rent for a private assured periodic tenancy.
• Increase the rent no more than once a year, and not within the first 52 weeks of the tenancy.
• Give at least two months’ notice, and start the new rent on the first day of a rent period.
• Remember your tenant can challenge the proposed rent at the First-tier Tribunal before the start date.
• Stop relying on rent review clauses.

Our free rent increase date calculator works out the earliest valid start date.

5. Possession: Form 3A, not Form 3

• Use Form 3A for a Section 8 notice. Private landlords no longer use Form 3.
• Rely on one or more Schedule 2 grounds and quote the full legal wording of each.
• Check the notice period for each ground. If you use several, wait for the longest before applying to court, unless you rely on Ground 7A or 14.
• Remember that only a court can order possession.

6. Deposits and fees

• Keep deposits within the cap: five weeks’ rent where annual rent is below £50,000, and six weeks’ rent at or above it. Check with the deposit cap calculator.
• Keep holding deposits to one week’s rent.
• Protect the deposit in an approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it.
• Give the deposit prescribed information within 30 days. Failing to comply can lead to a penalty of 1 to 3 times the deposit.
• Do not demand more than one month’s rent in advance.

7. Safety and certificates

• Gas appliances checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe engineer, with a copy of the record given to the tenant within 28 days of the check.
• Electrical installations inspected at least every five years.
• A valid EPC given to new tenants.
• A smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and carbon monoxide alarms where required.
• Right to rent checks done before the tenancy starts.
• A property licence, if your council requires one. Check with our licensing checker.

Our compliance record summarises your certificates and next due dates on one page.

8. Keep your paperwork together

For a new tenancy, the compliance pack puts the written statement, deposit prescribed information and compliance record in one PDF, with a start-of-tenancy checklist. Whatever you give or serve, keep a copy and proof of delivery. See how to serve a notice.