The Government is introducing changes to tenancy agreements under the Renters’ Rights Act. These updates are designed to make tenancies clearer, fairer and easier to understand.

This page explains what the changes mean for tenants and how they may apply to your tenancy.

Do the new rules apply to my tenancy?

It depends on when your tenancy began:

  • Tenancies starting on or after 1 May 2026 – the new requirements will automatically apply and will be included within your written tenancy agreement.
  • Tenancies already in place before 1 May 2026 – your agreement does not need to be replaced. Instead, you will be given a separate Information Sheet explaining how the new law affects existing tenancies. This must be provided by 31 May 2026.

Will I need to sign a new tenancy agreement?

In most cases, no.

If your tenancy already exists on 1 May 2026, you will usually remain on your current agreement. The new legislation is intended to improve clarity and transparency, not to require tenants to re‑sign existing contracts.

What information will be included in new tenancy agreements?

New tenancy agreements must clearly set out key information, including:

  • The landlord’s and tenant’s names
  • The full property address
  • When the tenancy starts
  • The rent amount and payment schedule
  • How any rent increase must be handled under the law
  • Whether bills are included or payable separately
  • Deposit details
  • How the tenancy may be brought to an end
  • Repair and safety responsibilities
  • Tenant rights under equality legislation
  • How pet requests are considered

Most of this information will already be familiar to tenants — it is being brought together in a clearer, more consistent format.

Can my rent be increased more easily?

No.

Any rent increase must still follow the legal process set out in law, including the correct notice and timescales. The new requirements simply make this process clearer within tenancy documentation.

What does this mean for repairs and safety?

Landlords are already responsible for:

  • Keeping the property fit for human habitation
  • Maintaining the structure and key installations
  • Ensuring gas and electrical safety standards are met

These responsibilities will now be clearly explained within tenancy agreements so tenants understand what they can reasonably expect.

Can my landlord end my tenancy more easily?

No.

A landlord can only bring a tenancy to an end by:

  • Serving the appropriate notice
  • Relying on a lawful ground for possession
  • Obtaining a court order

This process must be clearly explained in tenancy documents.

What about pets?

Tenants may request permission to keep a pet during their tenancy.

Landlords must consider requests fairly and must not unreasonably refuse consent, although some conditions may apply depending on the property.

What rights do disabled tenants have?

Disabled tenants may request reasonable changes to a property under the Equality Act 2010.

Landlords are expected to consider such requests carefully and must not unreasonably withhold consent. The new requirements ensure tenants are clearly informed of these rights.

What if my tenancy was agreed verbally?

If your tenancy exists but was not set out in writing, the required information must still be provided to you in writing by 31 May 2026.

Do I need to do anything now?

In most cases, no immediate action is required.

If you are an existing tenant, you will receive the required Information Sheet once it is published. If you are starting a new tenancy after 1 May 2026, your agreement will already include the updated information.

Need further help?

If you have questions about your tenancy or would like clarification on how the changes apply to you, please contact the Maddisons Residential team.

We are committed to managing tenancies transparently, fairly and in full compliance with the law.