The Government have announced the implemntation plan of the Renters Reform Act. Phase 1 will take effect from 1st May 2026 and will include the following:
Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions will be abolished
New tenancies and existing tenancies in the PRS will become Assured Periodic Tenancies. This means tenants will be able to stay in their property for as long as they want, or until a landlord serves a valid section 8 notice. Tenants will be able to end their tenancy by giving two months’ notice.
Possession grounds in the Pivate Rented Sector will be reformed
Rent increases limited to once a year – landlords will have to follow the revised section 13 procedure and provide the tenant with a notice detailing the proposed rent increase at least 2 months before it is due to take effect.
Rental bidding and rent in advance will be banned
It will be illegal to discriminate against renters who have children or receive benefits
Landlords must consider tenant requests to rent with a pet – landlords will have an initial 28 days to consider their tenant’s request, and they will have to provide valid reasons if they refuse it.
Strengthen council enforcement and rent repayment orders
Clarkes operate as both Landlords and Letting Agents and we have continually developed and refined our services and procedures to not only meet but often exceed prevailing legal requirements. Clarkes have not relied on Section 21 Eviction proceedings for many years now and have been meeting most other aspects of the RFA for quite some time.
Our Tenancy Agreements, Section 13 Notices and other compliance documents and procedures will be updated in good time to ensure all our Tenancies will comply with Phase 1 of the RFA before the 1st of May