The Renters’ Rights Act: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know Right Now

With less than a month to go until the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, there has been a lot of noise, questions, and uncertainty across the market.

So let’s simplify it.

From our perspective at Anderson Rose, the key message is this:

For most landlords and tenants, there is very little you actually need to do.

The Responsibility Sits With the Agent

While the legislation itself is a major shift, the heavy lifting is happening behind the scenes.

As agents, it is our job to ensure:
All tenancy agreements are compliant
Processes are updated
Documentation reflects the new legal framework

This includes rewriting agreements, updating templates, and ensuring every tenancy we manage aligns with the new rules from day one.

A Key Deadline in May

There is one important administrative step that will take place shortly after the Act comes into force.

By the end of May, all tenants must receive a government approved information sheet outlining:
That the Act is now in place
What their new rights are under the legislation

This is a mandatory requirement, and again, it is something we will handle on behalf of our landlords.

The Biggest Change: How Tenancies Work

The most significant shift under the new Act is the move away from fixed term tenancies.

All agreements will transition to periodic tenancies.

What this means

Tenants can end a tenancy at any time with two months notice
Landlords can only regain possession under specific grounds:
If they intend to sell
If they plan to move back into the property
In both cases, landlords must provide four months notice

This fundamentally changes the structure of renting, placing greater flexibility on the tenant side while tightening the grounds for possession.

What About Rent Increases?

One of the most common questions we are being asked right now is:

“What happens if a tenancy is coming up for renewal after the Act begins?”

The answer is reassuringly straightforward.

The process remains largely the same but with one important addition.

If both landlord and tenant agree to a rent increase:
The increase is implemented as usual
But it must now be formalised using a Section 13 notice, Ground 4

This ensures:
The increase is officially recorded
The rent cannot be increased again for 12 months under the new rules

It is a small procedural change, but an important one.

What This Means for the Market

The Renters’ Rights Act is designed to create more security and transparency for tenants, while still allowing landlords to manage their assets effectively.

For landlords, the key will be:
Accurate pricing from the outset
Strong tenant selection
Professional management

For tenants, it offers:
Greater flexibility
Clearer rights
More consistency across the rental process

Final Thoughts

Legislation like this can feel overwhelming, but in practice the transition should be smooth when managed correctly.

At Anderson Rose, we have already been preparing behind the scenes to ensure everything is compliant, clear, and ready.

If you are a landlord or tenant and have questions about how this affects you, feel free to get in touch.

We will continue to share updates as the Act comes into force and as we see how it plays out in the real world.