The first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into force for the private rented sector in England on 1 May 2026. It did not simply change a few forms: it changed the operating model for most assured tenancies.
What changed in practice
- Assured tenancies moved to the assured periodic model rather than fixed-term ASTs.
- Section 21 is no longer the normal route to regain possession.
- Rent increases use the section 13 process and Form 4A, with the new timing rules.
- New tenancies need the required written information before the tenancy is signed or otherwise agreed.
- Rental bidding, rent-in-advance and applicant-selection rules have changed.
- Pet requests now have a written response process and deadline.
Why the workflow matters
Most landlord mistakes are not caused by never having heard of the law. They happen because an action is done in the wrong order, a date is missed, the wrong evidence is retained, or an old process is reused after the law has changed.
Over the past year, we have followed the Renters’ Rights reforms through implementation, read the legislation and official guidance, taken expert input and repeatedly tested Landlord Buddy’s workflows against real landlord scenarios. The aim is not to replace professional advice. It is to make the normal process far harder to get wrong.
Read the official landlord overview on GOV.UK
Source: Official GOV.UK guidance. Last reviewed 2 September 2026.