The Renters’ Rights Act Is Now In Force 

After months of anticipation, new private rented sector laws have come into force across England. Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into effect on 1 May 2026, ushering in changes billed as the “most significant in nearly 40 years”. London landlords must follow updated procedures as of now, and many need need to take action by the end of the month. 

The new rules apply to 11 million tenants across the country – and their landlords. Advertisements for new tenants, and tenant onboarding processes, will need to meet these updated standards as a legal requirement. Existing tenancies are not exempt from the changes. Any tenancy agreement clauses that do not meet the Renters’ Rights Act’s changes will be considered invalid.  

If your central London property is currently tenanted under a fixed term contract dating from before 1 May 2026, this will now be considered an assured periodic tenancy. A landlord in this situation must take immediate action. Where landlords have been renting to tenants under Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), they must provide The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 to tenants by the deadline of 31 May 2026.  

Central London landlords who are unsure of the new rules, or what action they need to take, should seek advice from their letting agent sooner rather than later. Local councils are in a position to enforce the new rental rules, with stronger powers granted on 27 December 2025 (read more here). As such, ignorance could leave you open to an investigation and new, increased financial penalties or prosecution. 

There will be more changes to come in the near future. Phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act is expected in late 2026, with further measures to follow at a later date. Further details are still to be issued, however, it is wise to keep these on the radar to assist with forward planning.  

Read more on the gov.uk site.