Are you Renters’ Rights Act ready?
Your readiness checklist
Your tenancies are now periodic
On 1 May 2026 existing private assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies, including those part-way through a fixed term. New private tenancies have no fixed term. Make sure your paperwork reflects this.
Section 21 is gone, so possession means Section 8
No-fault evictions ended on 1 May 2026. To get possession you need a Section 8 ground, the right notice period on Form 3A, and, if you took a deposit, a protected deposit with the prescribed information given.
You can prove every required document was delivered
EPC, Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), EICR, the written statement of terms for new tenancies and deposit prescribed information. Existing written tenancies also needed the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. An unprotected deposit or missing prescribed information stops a court making a possession order on most grounds. The other documents carry their own penalties.
Your certificates are current and tracked
Gas safety annually, EICR every five years, EPC valid (minimum band E now). The government plans band C by 1 October 2030, but that is not yet law. A missed renewal weakens your position and risks penalties.
You can respond to pet requests in time
Tenants can ask in writing to keep a pet, and you must reply in writing within 28 days. There is no automatic consent if you miss the deadline, but it is a breach the tenant can take to court. You can only refuse for a reasonable reason.
Your rent increases follow the new process
One increase per year, two months’ notice, via the updated Section 13 (Form 4A) process. The tribunal can confirm or reduce a proposed rent, but never increase it.
Your records would stand up to scrutiny
Councils can issue civil penalties under the Act. Many first breaches carry up to £7,000. Some continuing or repeated breaches become offences, with civil penalties up to £40,000. Dated records help you show what you did and when.
How HouseFile keeps you ready
HouseFile is a digital house file for each of your properties. Store every compliance document in one place, share it with tenants through a simple link, and get a timestamped record every time they open it.
- Compliance status at a glance — red / amber / green per property
- Automatic reminders before certificates expire
- Timestamped proof your tenants received every document
- The official Information Sheet PDF, ready to print or attach (a link alone doesn’t count)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Always check current legislation or speak to a solicitor about your specific situation. See our full Renters’ Rights Act guide for detail.