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Landlord Compliance Checklist

A practical checklist of what landlords must do before and after 1 May 2026 — for both existing and new tenancies.

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Key Dates

March 2026

Information Sheet Published

Government publishes the information sheet for existing tenants.

1 May 2026

Main Changes In Force

Section 21 abolished. All new tenancies must be periodic. New written information duties apply.

31 May 2026

Information Sheet Deadline

Deadline to serve the information sheet on existing tenants. Failure can result in fines up to £7,000.

Existing Tenancies — What You Must Do

Identify which tenancies are written vs purely verbalUrgent
Obtain the government information sheet (published March 2026)Urgent
Serve the information sheet on all named tenants by 31 May 2026Urgent
For verbal tenancies: provide required written information about key terms by 31 May 2026Urgent
Review deposit protection — ensure all deposits are protected and prescribed information servedHigh
Check gas safety certificates are current and have been served on tenantsHigh
Ensure EPC is current (valid for 10 years) and has been provided to tenantsHigh
Review rent increase history — ensure any increases followed the correct processMedium
Check tenancy agreements for clauses that may be unenforceable under the new rulesMedium

New Tenancies from 1 May 2026 — What You Must Do

Provide required written information about key terms BEFORE signingMandatory
Use a compliant tenancy agreement reflecting the new periodic tenancy structureMandatory
Protect deposit and serve prescribed information within 30 daysMandatory
Serve gas safety certificate before tenant moves inMandatory
Provide EPC to prospective tenants before viewingMandatory
Provide How to Rent guide (current version)Mandatory
Do not request more than one month's rent in advanceMandatory
Advertise a clear asking rent — do not invite or accept offers above itMandatory
Assess applications individually — do not apply blanket bans on benefits or childrenMandatory
Consider any pet requests fairly and follow the statutory frameworkRequired

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Related Renters' Rights Act Guidance

End of Section 21

Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished from 1 May 2026.

Section 8 Possession Grounds

The grounds landlords must use to regain possession after May 2026.

Periodic Tenancies Explained

Fixed-term tenancies are replaced by periodic tenancies from May 2026.

Rent Increases After May 2026

Rent can only be increased once per year under the new rules.

Renters' Rights Act FAQs

Common questions about the Renters' Rights Act answered.

Renters' Rights Act Overview

Full guide to the Renters' Rights Act 2026 for landlords.