Landlord Compliance Checklist 2026: What Every Landlord Needs to Do After the Renters' Rights Act
The private rented sector has undergone its biggest legal change in decades.
Since 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act has introduced a range of new responsibilities for landlords, alongside significant changes to how tenancies are created, managed and ended.
For many landlords, the challenge is not understanding one individual change. It is ensuring they remain compliant across multiple areas at the same time.
Failure to do so could lead to delays when seeking possession, financial penalties, or disputes that could have been avoided with the correct preparation.
To help, we have created a practical landlord compliance checklist for 2026.
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Understand that Assured Shorthold Tenancies have gone
One of the most significant changes is the end of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs).
Most private rented sector tenancies are now assured periodic tenancies. Existing ASTs have automatically converted and new fixed term ASTs can no longer be created.
Landlords should review all tenancy documentation and management procedures to ensure they reflect the new legal position.
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Ensure you have valid grounds for possession
The abolition of Section 21 means landlords can no longer recover possession using a "no fault" eviction process.
Instead, possession must now be sought using one of the available statutory grounds under Section 8. These include circumstances such as rent arrears, anti social behaviour, the landlord intending to sell the property, or a landlord or family member wishing to move into the property.
If possession becomes necessary, taking legal advice early can help avoid costly mistakes and delays.
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Review your rent increase process
The process for increasing rent has also changed. Rent increases are now generally restricted to once per year through the prescribed legal process, with tenants having the ability to challenge increases they believe are above market levels.
Landlords should ensure any future increases are properly documented and supported by evidence of local market rents.
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Prepare for pet requests
Under the new legislation, tenants can request permission to keep a pet.
Landlords must consider requests and cannot refuse without a reasonable justification.
Having a clear internal process for dealing with pet requests can help ensure consistency and reduce the risk of disputes.
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Provide the required information to existing tenants
Many landlords have already been required to provide government information explaining the impact of the Renters' Rights Act on existing tenancies.
Missing administrative requirements can create compliance issues later, particularly if possession proceedings become necessary.
Maintaining accurate records of documents served on tenants is more important than ever.
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Keep your property compliance documents up to date
The fundamentals remain unchanged.
Landlords should continue to ensure they have:
- Valid gas safety certificates where required
- Current EPC documentation
- Electrical safety compliance
- Correct deposit protection arrangements
- Appropriate licensing where applicable
These documents remain critical to effective property management and legal compliance.
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Review your rent arrears procedures
With the increased focus on possession grounds, landlords should act promptly when rent arrears begin to develop.
Allowing arrears to escalate often makes resolution more difficult and can impact the options available later.
Clear communication, accurate record keeping and early legal advice can often make a significant difference.
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Have a plan for property inspections and tenant communication
Regular inspections remain an important part of responsible property management.
Documented inspections can help identify maintenance issues, tenancy breaches and potential disputes before they become larger problems.
They can also prove invaluable if possession proceedings become necessary in the future.
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Know what to do when a tenancy ends
One area that continues to create uncertainty for landlords is dealing with possessions left behind after a tenant leaves.
Whether a tenancy ends through possession proceedings, abandonment or a voluntary departure, landlords must follow the correct legal process before disposing of belongings.
We previously explored this topic in detail in our guide on tenant belongings left after a bailiff eviction, which explains the steps landlords should take to minimise legal risk and avoid unnecessary disputes.
Final thoughts
The Renters' Rights Act has changed the legal landscape for landlords significantly. Those who take a proactive approach to compliance are likely to be in a much stronger position if issues arise in the future.
Regularly reviewing tenancy documents, possession procedures and property compliance requirements can help reduce risk and provide greater confidence when managing rental properties.
Written by Solicitors4Landlords, specialists in landlord and tenant law, providing practical, commercially focused legal advice.
If you need advice on tenancy agreements or managing pet requests, contact our team today on 01455 553 945 or email info@solicitors4landlords.com.