Key Changes for Landlords from 1 May 2026 (Renters’ Rights Act)

26 April 2026 | Home, Property & Land |

Phase 1: From 1 May 2026

No fixed-term tenancies

As part of the Renter’s Rights Act, from 1 May 2026, tenancies will no longer have a fixed term. Instead, all new tenancies will be ‘periodic’ from the start, meaning tenants who comply with their obligations can stay in a property for as long or short a period as they want. 

Possession for landlords (selling or moving in)

Landlords wanting to move into or sell their property will be able to recover possession, however important new protections for tenants will apply:

• Tenants will have a protective period of 12 months
• Landlords must provide 4 months’ notice to give a tenant time to find suitable alternative accommodation.

What is not changing?

If a tenant stays in a property once a notice has expired, a landlord must still obtain and legally enforce a possession order from the court for an eviction to be lawful. 

Phase 2: From late 2026

Private Rented Sector Database

Expected to be rolled out in late 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act will introduce a Private Rented Sector Database, on which landlords will be required to:

• Register themselves and their rental properties
• Keep their details updated whenever a property is marketed or let out

Failure to register will prevent a landlord from serving their tenants norice and can result in fines. 

How Fishers Solicitors can help

With the legislative changes now in force as of 1 May, landlords may already be navigating a period of adjustment and uncertainty.

Our Dispute Resolution team is available to provide clear, practical advice and to support landlords in taking the right steps moving forward. We encourage landlords to contact us to ensure they are fully up to date and have everything in order. Get in touch today.