The biggest change to the private rented sector in a generation comes into force on 1 May 2026. Here's what changes, and the compliance checklist to get ahead of it.
No-fault evictions end. Possession requires a valid Section 8 ground — so your evidence (arrears, breach, grounds) must be airtight.
Fixed terms are gone; every assured tenancy rolls month-to-month by default. Existing ASTs convert automatically.
Increases only via the statutory Section 13 process, once every 12 months, challengeable at the First-tier Tribunal.
Landlords and agents must publish an asking rent and cannot invite or accept offers above it.
A request to keep a pet cannot be unreasonably refused; refusals must be justified in writing.
A statutory information sheet must be served — for existing tenancies by 31 May 2026, and at the start of every new tenancy thereafter. £7,000 penalty, £40,000 on repeat.