The Renter's Rights Act: Tenancy Changes & Rent Rules
At The Norfolk Agents, we’re here to help you navigate major changes to the Private Rental Sector. Part 2 of our series of blogs to break down the changes covers the new tenancy structure, rent increases and upfront rent being capped.
From the 1st of May 2026 Assured Shorthold Tenancies, including any related break clauses will no longer exist. That is to say, all residential tenancies, new and existing, will be replaced with Assured Periodic Tenancies which will roll from month to month with no fixed end date until either the Tenant(s) terminate(s) it with two months’ notice or until the Landlord meets the new criteria of the grounds for possession. This is intended to permit Tenants to move amidst unforeseen changes of circumstance and to encourage Landlords to keep their properties fit for purpose.
As there is no longer a tenancy ‘Renewal’, any rent increases can be served once per annum via a Section 13 Notice in line with Market Rates. It is worth noting that Tenants will soon be able to challenge rent increases where they feel they exceed market rates so the market rate average figure should be evidenced for best practice at the time of serving the notice.
Landlords and Agents will no longer be able to accept rent in advance, including before signing the agreement and only one month’s rent can be demanded at a time. Where rent increases are agreed by the Landlord and Tenant, the increase will apply from the next rent due date.
For new tenancies, the agreed rent will only be at the listed price and not above in an effort to increase cost transparency and value integrity and eliminate, ‘Rental Bidding Wars’.
Tenants who are mid-tenancy will be issued by Landlords or Agents, with a Government Leaflet, outlining the relevant changes around Spring time this year and new tenants will sign an Assured Periodic Tenancy Agreement.
If you have any questions on these changes, feel free to get in touch with our team today for further advise and guidance.
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