The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026 and represents the biggest change to renting in England for a generation. All landlords must be ready, as the new rules apply to both new and existing tenancies from day one.
The most important change is the abolition of Section 21, meaning landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without a valid statutory reason. All assured shorthold tenancies will automatically become assured periodic tenancies, removing fixed terms and increasing tenant security.
Landlords will need to review eviction processes, ensure they understand the new grounds for possession, and update internal procedures accordingly. Note that the official Renters’ Rights information document must also be provided to tenants by 31 May 2026, or risk fines.
If it has not already been done, now is the time to audit tenancy agreements, check compliance records, and seek professional advice to ensure a smooth transition under the new legal framework.
Directors are being warned to verify their identities with Companies House or risk prosecution after the Insolvency Service secured its first convictions for these offences.
Members of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) are due to get letters from HMRC where errors have been identified in their monthly returns. The letters, due in October, are in response to three common errors identified by HMRC.