Your readiness checklist
Your tenancies are now periodic
On 1 May 2026 existing private assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies, even part-way through a fixed term, unless a valid notice was running. New tenancies have no fixed term.
Section 21 is gone, so possession means Section 8
You need a Section 8 ground and the right notice period on Form 3A. If you took a deposit, the court can’t order possession on most grounds until it’s protected and the prescribed information given.
You can prove every required document was delivered
That means the EPC, gas safety record, EICR and deposit prescribed information, plus the written statement of terms for new tenancies. Tenancies with written terms that began before 1 May 2026 needed the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026, on paper or as a PDF, since a link doesn’t count.
Your certificates are current and tracked
Gas safety checks every 12 months, an EICR at least every five years and an EPC rated E or above. The government plans band C by 1 October 2030, but it isn’t law yet.
You can respond to pet requests in time
When a tenant asks to keep a pet, reply in writing within 28 days. Missing the deadline is a breach the tenant can take to court, though it doesn’t count as consent. Any refusal must be reasonable.
Your rent increases follow the new process
Rent can rise once a year, on Form 4A under Section 13 with at least two months’ notice, and the tribunal can’t set it higher than you proposed.
Your records would stand up to scrutiny
Councils can issue civil penalties of up to £7,000 for many first breaches, and up to £40,000 where a continuing or repeated breach becomes an offence. Dated records show what you did and when.
How HouseFile keeps you ready
HouseFile keeps each property's compliance documents in one file and records when each tenant opens them through their link, and whether they agree.
- A red, amber or green status for each property
- Emails 30 days before each certificate expires, again at 7 days and on the day
- A PDF Compliance Report of what each tenant opened and agreed to, and when
- The official Information Sheet PDF in each property's checklist, to print or attach
This page is general information, not legal advice. Check the legislation or ask a solicitor about your situation. The full Renters’ Rights Act guide has more detail.