Free tool
Renters’ Rights Act readiness checker
Do you know that all new tenancies are now periodic?
Since 1 May 2026 you can no longer grant a fixed-term assured shorthold tenancy. Every new tenancy is periodic from day one.
What the Renters’ Rights Act changed
Since 1 May 2026, the main parts of the Renters' Rights Act have applied in England. Section 21 has gone, and new tenancies are periodic, with no fixed term. Rent can rise once a year, by Section 13 notice. Tenants can ask to keep a pet: you have 28 days to reply in writing, and can't refuse unreasonably.
Three parts are still to come. You'll register each property on the PRS Database, which opens on 15 December 2026 and becomes compulsory region by region. Joining the PRS Ombudsman is expected to become compulsory in 2028, and the Decent Homes Standard applies to private rented homes from 2035.
Possession now means proving a Section 8 ground, with evidence for the ground and proof you served the notice. If you took a deposit, the court can't make an order on any ground except 7A and 14 until the deposit is protected and the prescribed information given. Keep a dated record of each step.
For every date, see the Renters’ Rights Act timeline, or read how to prove tenants received documents.
This checker is general guidance for landlords in England, not legal advice. Last reviewed September 2026.