Compliance

What Should Landlords Review 100 Days Into the Renters' Rights Act?

13 August 20266 min read
What Should Landlords Review 100 Days Into the Renters' Rights Act?

The Renters' Rights Act has now been in force for more than 100 days, giving landlords time to experience the practical changes to how private tenancies are managed in England. Since 1 May 2026, assured shorthold tenancies have been replaced by assured periodic tenancies, Section 21 'no-fault' evictions have ended, and landlords have new responsibilities around tenancy information, rent and how properties are let.


With the first 100 days now behind them, August is a useful point for landlords to review whether their tenancy processes, records and compliance systems have actually kept pace with the new rules.


What Has Changed Since the Renters' Rights Act Came Into Force?


The changes introduced on 1 May affected both new and existing private tenancies in England.


Most assured tenancies are now periodic rather than fixed-term, and landlords can no longer use Section 21 to recover possession without relying on a specific legal ground. New rules also apply to areas such as rent increases, rental bidding, advertising and tenant protections.


For landlords, these changes affect more than the tenancy agreement itself. They can also change how rent is reviewed, how possession is managed and how information about each tenancy needs to be maintained.


That makes the 100-day mark a useful opportunity to check whether day-to-day property management has been updated accordingly.


Has Your Tenancy Documentation Been Updated?


One of the simplest things for landlords to review is whether the information given to tenants reflects the new rules.


From 1 May, landlords have new requirements around providing written tenancy information and using the prescribed information and forms introduced under the new system. Government guidance confirms that new assured tenancy forms were introduced when the reforms came into force.


Landlords should therefore review their records and make sure they have a clear, accessible file for each tenancy.


This can include:


  • Tenant and tenancy details
  • Rent amount and payment information
  • Tenancy dates
  • Written tenancy terms
  • Relevant notices
  • Property certificates
  • Licences and other compliance documents
  • Important correspondence

  • Keeping these records organised is particularly important when managing several properties at once.


    Are Your Rent Processes Still Compliant?


    Rent management is another area landlords should review.


    The new tenancy system introduced changes to how rent increases are handled, meaning landlords need to follow the correct process rather than relying on previous fixed-term tenancy practices.


    Landlords should check that their current process clearly records:


  • The existing rent
  • Any proposed increase
  • The date of the increase
  • Relevant notices
  • The tenant's payment history

  • Keeping a clear record can also make it easier to understand whether rent is being paid correctly and identify arrears before they become a larger problem.


    What Happened to Section 21 Notices?


    One of the most significant changes is the end of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions.


    From 1 May 2026, landlords have no longer been able to serve new Section 21 notices. Existing Section 21 notices issued before the reforms were subject to transitional rules, with landlords generally needing to start court proceedings by the earlier of the relevant notice deadline or 31 July 2026.


    That deadline has now passed.


    For landlords managing a possession issue today, it is therefore important to understand which possession ground applies and follow the correct process rather than relying on the previous Section 21 route.


    Accurate tenancy records can become particularly important where possession proceedings are involved, as landlords may need to demonstrate the relevant history of the tenancy and supporting information.


    Is Your Property Information Ready for More Regulation?


    The Renters' Rights Act is part of a wider change in how the private rented sector is regulated.


    Further elements of the reforms are expected later in 2026, including the introduction of a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman and Private Rented Sector Database.


    This means landlords should not treat the 1 May changes as the end of the compliance work.


    Instead, this is a good time to review the information already held for each property and make sure it is accurate and easy to access.


    Property licences, certificates, insurance, tenancy information and other important documents should have clear records and renewal dates.


    The better organised this information is now, the easier it will be to adapt as further requirements are introduced.


    How Can Landlords Stay Organised Under the New Rules?


    Managing the new requirements can become difficult when property information is spread across emails, spreadsheets and separate folders.


    A centralised property management system can make it easier to see what has been completed, what needs attention and which documents or deadlines need reviewing.


    With Propell, landlords can keep key property and tenancy information together in one secure platform.


    Propell allows landlords to manage rent tracking, tenancy records, compliance documents, property licences, insurance and renewal dates, giving them greater visibility across their portfolio.


    Instead of searching through different systems to find a tenancy agreement, payment history or compliance document, landlords can keep important information connected to the relevant property.


    Use the 100-Day Mark to Review Your Portfolio


    The first 100 days of the Renters' Rights Act have brought significant changes to how landlords manage private tenancies.


    For landlords, August is a useful time to step back and review whether their processes have actually changed with the legislation.


    Check your tenancy records. Review your rent processes. Make sure your property documents and compliance information are up to date. And if you have older Section 21 cases, make sure you understand how the transitional rules affect them.


    With further rental reforms expected later this year, having accurate and organised property information can make it easier to respond to whatever comes next.


    Propell brings tenancy records, rent tracking, compliance management, document storage and portfolio information together in one platform, helping landlords stay organised as the private rented sector continues to evolve.


    100 days in is a good time to check what has changed, and what still needs your attention.

    Frequently asked questions

    What changed for landlords when the Renters' Rights Act came into force?

    From 1 May 2026, most assured shorthold tenancies were replaced by assured periodic tenancies and Section 21 'no-fault' evictions ended. The reforms also introduced changes affecting rent increases, tenancy information, advertising and other aspects of private renting in England.

    Can landlords still use a Section 21 notice?

    Landlords cannot serve new Section 21 notices under the new system. Transitional rules applied to Section 21 notices issued before 1 May 2026, but the deadline for starting court proceedings in relevant cases was 31 July 2026. Landlords now need to rely on the applicable possession grounds and follow the correct process.

    What should landlords review after 100 days of the new rules?

    Landlords should review their tenancy documentation, rent processes, tenant records, property licences, compliance certificates and important notices. It is also worth checking that information is accurate, current and easily accessible, particularly as further Renters' Rights reforms are expected later in 2026.

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