Renters’ Rights Act: Landlord Checklist to get Ready for 1st May 2026
If you’re a landlord, the Renters’ Rights Act changes how tenancies work in England from 1 May 2026.
Renters’ Rights Act 2026: What Landlords in Flitwick, Ampthill, Barton Le Clay & Luton Need to Know
From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act will bring significant changes to the way private tenancies operate in England. If you’re a landlord in Flitwick, Ampthill, Barton Le Clay or Luton, preparing now is crucial. At Love Homes, we help landlords navigate these changes and can provide a property valuation to ensure your portfolio is accurately assessed before the new rules take effect.
Key Changes from 1 May 2026
The main shifts landlords will notice include:
Default to assured periodic tenancies: Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies are replaced by the new standard model.
Stricter rent rise rules: Rent can only increase once a year, cannot rise in the first year, and must follow the Section 13 process using Form 4A (Form 4 still applies for notices issued before 1 May 2026).
Paperwork expectations: Landlords must provide tenants with mandatory written information about key tenancy terms before signing or agreeing the tenancy.
1. Refresh Your Tenancy “Starter Pack”
From May 2026, every new tenancy must include written key terms. A simple solution is a move-in pack PDF containing:
Key tenancy terms
Rent payment process and late payment procedures
Repair reporting and emergency contacts
Deposit details and custodianship
House rules (bins, parking, smoking, alterations)
Update templates once and reuse across your portfolio to stay organised.
2. Plan for Existing Tenancies
Tenancies signed before 1 May 2026 do not need a full re-issue, but you must provide a government-issued information sheet by 31 May 2026.
Pro tip:
Mid-March 2026: download the information sheet
Early May 2026: send to all relevant tenants and track acknowledgments
For verbal agreements prior to May, provide the written key terms directly.
3. Tighten Your Rent Increase Process
For assured periodic tenancies:
Rent rises are capped at once per year
Cannot increase rent in the first year
Must use Form 4A with 2 months’ notice
Automatic rent uplift clauses no longer apply
Landlord-friendly routine: keep 3-5 local rent comparables, schedule annual reviews, and confirm agreements in writing.
4. Keep Records “Possession-Ready”
Good documentation protects you in case of disputes. Maintain:
Property timelines: inspections, repairs, complaints, invoices
Photo records with dates
Written confirmations after calls
Consistent record-keeping ensures you can demonstrate everything clearly if needed.
5. Streamline Repairs
Clear repair processes reduce disputes:
Emergency: safety risks or major leaks — act immediately
Urgent: heating, hot water, or security issues — respond quickly
Routine: minor faults — schedule and communicate updates
If you use a property management company, confirm their standards for response times and tenant updates.
Book a Landlord Check-Up with Love Homes
Preparing your tenancies and processes for the Renters’ Rights Act doesn’t have to be stressful. Love Homes can review:
Your tenancy starter pack
Rent review procedures
Record-keeping and compliance
We also provide property valuations in Flitwick, Ampthill, Barton Le Clay, and Luton to help landlords make informed decisions ahead of May 2026.
📞 01525 713111
Stay compliant, protect your investment, and manage your properties confidently with Love Homes.