The Renters’ Rights Act is a major reform of private rented sector housing law in England. It represents the biggest change to renting in a generation and is designed to improve security, fairness and standards while ensuring landlords can continue to manage their properties effectively.
Since 1 May 2026, the Act has changed how most private rented homes are let, how tenancies end, how rent is increased, and the rights and responsibilities of landlords, letting agents and tenants.
Why has the law changed?
The Act aims to provide greater security and stability for renters, raise standards and conditions across the private rented sector, create a fairer and more transparent rental market, and reduce unfair practices including no-fault evictions and discrimination.
What this means for tenants
- Tenants now benefit from stronger protections and clearer rights, including:
No more “no-fault” evictions – landlords must have a valid legal reason to end a tenancy.
- Open-ended tenancies – most fixed-term tenancies have been replaced by periodic tenancies.
- Fairer rent increases – rent can only be increased through the legal process and no more than once each year.
- Protection from discrimination – landlords must not refuse tenants simply because they have children or receive benefits.
- Clearer property standards and protections against unsafe housing conditions.
- Greater rights to request a pet, with requests requiring reasonable consideration.
What this means for landlords
Landlords must now comply with the new legal framework, including:
- Section 21 has been abolished, and possession can only be sought using lawful grounds.
- Most tenancies are now periodic.
- Rent increases must follow the statutory process.
- Required tenancy information must be provided to tenants.
- Properties should be maintained to a safe and acceptable standard and free from serious hazards.
What this means for letting agents
Letting agents play an important role in supporting compliance by:
- Ensuring tenancy agreements and management practices comply with current legislation.
- Supporting landlords with lawful possession processes and rent reviews.
- Providing tenants with required information and documentation.
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of legal responsibilities.
Understanding Your Responsibilities
Fylde Council encourages landlords, letting agents and tenants to understand their rights and responsibilities and review their practices where necessary.
Compliance Checklist – Landlords
✓ Review tenancy arrangements and management practices.
✓ Keep properties in good repair and free from serious hazards.
✓ Respond promptly to repair requests.
✓ Follow correct procedures for rent reviews and possession.
✓ Provide tenants with relevant information and documentation.
Compliance Checklist – Letting Agents
✓ Review tenancy templates and procedures.
✓ Keep landlords informed of legal responsibilities.
✓ Provide clear information to tenants.
✓ Maintain staff training and accurate records.
Compliance Checklist – Tenants
✓ Understand your tenancy rights and responsibilities.
✓ Report repairs and concerns promptly.
✓ Retain copies of important tenancy documents.
Property Standards and Safety
All tenants should be able to live in homes that are safe, warm, and free from serious hazards. Landlords are encouraged to inspect properties regularly and address issues as early as possible.
Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
The HHSRS is used by local authorities to assess risks to health and safety in residential properties. Hazards may include damp and mould, excess cold, electrical safety issues, fire safety concerns and falls hazards.
Where serious hazards are identified, particularly Category 1 Hazards, landlords should act promptly to reduce risks and improve conditions for occupants.
How Fylde Council Can Help
Fylde Council’s Housing Standards Team is committed to supporting responsible landlords, agents and tenants through advice, guidance and engagement. Our aim is to encourage early intervention and resolve issues before formal action becomes necessary.
Where serious housing hazards are identified or legal requirements are not being met, the Council has statutory powers available, including the use of notices and civil penalties where appropriate.
Category 1 Hazards and Civil Penalties
Where a Category 1 Hazard is identified, the Council has a duty to consider the most appropriate course of action to reduce or remove the risk.
Under Section 6A of the Housing Act 2004, local authorities may impose a civil financial penalty as an alternative to prosecution for relevant housing offences. These powers are generally reserved for serious or repeated non-compliance and form part of the Council’s wider approach of education, engagement and proportionate enforcement.
Our Approach
Fylde Council seeks to educate, engage and support compliance wherever possible, helping to maintain safe, healthy and well-managed homes across the borough.
