The Renters’ Rights Act introduces major compliance changes for landlords from 1 May 2026. These changes affect eviction procedures, rent increases and the documents that must be provided to tenants.
Failure to comply with the new legislation may lead to significant legal and financial penalties.
New Possession and Rent Increase Forms
The Government has released new prescribed forms that will apply from 1 May 2026.
- Section 8 Notice – Form 3A. This will be the only lawful document that can be used to end a tenancy once notice is issued after 1 May 2026.
- Section 13 Rent Increase Notice – Form 4A. From 1 May 2026 this will be the only permitted method for increasing rent.
Preview versions of the new documents can be viewed here.
Deposit Compliance Warning
The updated Section 8 Notice does not automatically warn landlords about deposit protection requirements. However deposit compliance remains critical.
If a landlord failed to protect a deposit correctly within 30 days, or failed to comply with deposit legislation thereafter, the court may refuse possession proceedings.
Where there is uncertainty regarding deposit compliance landlords should seek advice before serving notice.
Deposit compliance obligations originate primarily from the Localism Act 2011.
PIMS Tenancy Agreement Update
The PIMS tenancy agreement has evolved over more than 15 years and has now been updated to reflect the Renters’ Rights Act framework.
The new agreement aligns with the published legislation, relevant statutory instruments and official government guidance.
View the PIMS Renters’ Rights Tenancy Agreement
This agreement applies to tenancies commencing from 1 May 2026.
Tenant Information Sheet Requirement
Landlords must provide tenants with the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.
- The document must be provided to all named tenants individually.
- The document itself must be provided. A simple website link is not sufficient.
- Landlords should retain proof of service.
PIMS recommends landlords maintain clear records showing when documents were provided to tenants.
PIMS Technical Observation
Government guidance describes the information sheet as the minimum information that must be provided to tenants.
However the document does not reference several areas that landlords may still need to address within tenancy documentation.
- Joint landlord disclosure
- Gas safety compliance
- Electrical safety requirements
- Decent Homes obligations
For this reason landlords may wish to supplement the information sheet with additional written tenancy information where appropriate.
Compliance Mindset
Landlords should assume that tenancy agreements will increasingly be tested by tenants and legal advisers.