Change in tenancy agreement due to Renters Rights Act

The Government has published draft Regulations that set out the information that will be required in new change to tenancy agreements.

The requirements may change before the final version of the Regulations is published in March, but the draft gives us a strong indication of what tenancy agreements will look like when the Renters Rights Act comes into force on 1 May 2026.

The information required in the tenancy agreement includes:

• The landlord’s (or joint landlords’, if applicable) names.
• The tenant’s (or joint tenants’, if applicable) names.
• An address in England or Wales at which notices may be served on the landlord by the tenant.
• The address of the property being let.
• The date on which the tenant is first entitled to possession under the tenancy.
• The rent payable under the tenancy and when it is due.
• A statement explaining that if the landlord makes a new proposal to increase the rent under the tenancy, the landlord must serve a notice on the tenant in accordance with section 13 of the 1988 Act (increases of rent under assured tenancies other than relevant low-cost tenancies).
• Details of any bills that are included in the rent
• Details of any bills payable to the landlord in addition to the rent (i.e. for utilities)
• The deposit amount, if applicable.

The above information is already included in most tenancy agreements, but the draft Regulations include requirements for the following inclusions:

• A statement allowing the tenant to request a pet in accordance with Section 16A of the Housing Act 1988 and that the landlord may not unreasonably withhold consent.
• The minimum notice period a tenant must give to terminate the tenancy.
• A statement that the landlord is required to ensure the property is fit for human habitation.
• A statement setting out the landlord’s obligations under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (to keep the property in repair and working order).
• A statement setting out the landlord’s obligations under the Electrical Safety Regulations.
• If applicable, a statement setting out the landlord’s obligations under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations.

The Government has confirmed that landlords will not need to provide new tenancy agreements for existing tenancies, although they must provide tenants with a notice detailing the changes in the Renters Rights Act by 31 May 2026. The contents of this notice are expected to be prescribed by the Government in March.

The Government has published a secondary legislation in draft which outlines what should be included, allowing landlords to start preparing new agreements ahead of May 1^st.

Collectively, these reforms signal one of the most significant shifts in the private rented sector in decades. Landlords, agents and tenants alike are encouraged to prepare ahead of implementation as the sector moves toward greater transparency, stronger rights and clearer expectations.

Using an older tenancy template from 1^st May, not only means you are giving the wrong information, but you could also face fines from your local authority. This civil penalty will be around £4,000 but can be higher, particularly for repeated failures.

For further advice please contact Tom Young on 023 8046 1200.

Tom works closely with his clients, providing high quality advice and service to owner-managed-businesses, assisting them with business strategy, development and growth. Tom has a wide range of clients, covering different sectors and sizes, including audit. Tom specialises in the property sector, assisting landlords and management agents in meeting their compliance requirements.

If you have any questions regarding the above article, please contact Tom Young on 023 8046 1254 or email Tom Young.