Renters’ Rights Act: A Landlord’s Compliance Health Check for 2026
Published on August 19, 2026 by Sarah Mac
The Renters’ Rights Act has brought significant changes to the private rented sector over recent months, with landlords adapting to new legislation, updated guidance and evolving best practice.
While much of the focus has been on understanding individual reforms, now is a good time to step back and consider the bigger picture.
Rather than another legal checklist, think of this as a practical compliance health check. By reviewing your property management processes now, you can identify any areas that may need attention and help ensure you’re well prepared for both your current responsibilities and the changes still to come.
1. Are your tenancy documents and processes up to date?
The Renters’ Rights Act has introduced changes to the way tenancies are managed throughout their lifecycle, making this a good opportunity to review both your documentation and your day-to-day processes.
Are your tenancy agreements still fit for purpose?
Since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, new tenancies in England are no longer created as fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs). Instead, they must be granted as Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs), with no fixed end date.
This means landlords should ensure any tenancy agreements, templates and onboarding documents have been updated to reflect the new tenancy structure, including the removal of outdated clauses that no longer apply, such as fixed terms or contractual rent review provisions that are no longer permitted.
Have you updated your approach to pet requests?
Under the new legislation, tenants have stronger rights to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords must consider those requests within the required timescales. Blanket refusals are no longer the default position, so it’s important to have a clear process for assessing requests and responding appropriately.
Read more in our guide to the Renters’ Rights Act and pets.
Have you reviewed your possession procedures?
The abolition of Section 21 means landlords can no longer rely on ‘no fault’ possession notices for new cases. Instead, possession must be sought using one or more of the statutory grounds under Section 8. If you haven’t reviewed your procedures since the legislation changed, now is a good time to familiarise yourself with the new process.
Our guide to the Section 21 transition explains what changed and what it means in practice.
Are you providing tenants with the correct information?
The Renters’ Rights Act introduced a new Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet, which landlords are required to provide to tenants at the start of a tenancy. Make sure you’ve updated your onboarding process so this forms part of the information given to every new tenant.
Taking time to review your documents and processes now can help avoid confusion later and ensure your tenancy management reflects the latest legal requirements.
2. Are your legal certificates still current?
The Renters’ Rights Act hasn’t changed your existing safety certification responsibilities, but staying on top of them remains just as important. As part of your compliance health check, make sure the following are up to date:
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
If your property has gas appliances, a Gas Safety inspection must be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. New tenants should receive a copy of the current certificate before they move in, while existing tenants must be given a copy of each renewed certificate within 28 days of the inspection.
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
An EICR is generally required every five years, unless the report recommends a shorter interval. A copy should be provided to new tenants before the tenancy begins and to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection. If remedial work is identified, this should normally be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report specifies. For more information, read our guide to EICR regulation changes for landlords.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
A valid EPC is required before a property is let and is normally valid for 10 years. Tenants should receive a copy before the tenancy starts, and the property must continue to meet the current minimum energy efficiency requirements unless an exemption applies.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
The law dictates that landlords must install at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers)
Alarms should be tested at the start of every new tenancy and checked regularly to ensure they remain in working order. As soon as a tenant reports a defect, the alarm in question must be replaced.
Explore the GOV.UK Smoke and Carbon Alarms Booklet for more information.
Keeping certificates up to date is only part of the picture. Equally important is making sure tenants receive the required documentation within the relevant timescales and that you retain copies as part of your property records. Good record keeping can make compliance much easier to demonstrate should it ever be questioned.
3. Are you keeping good property records?
Good record keeping has always been an important part of successful property management, but it’s becoming even more valuable as the private rented sector evolves.
Keeping accurate, dated records throughout a tenancy can help demonstrate that you’ve managed the property responsibly, responded to issues appropriately and maintained a clear audit trail should questions ever arise.
As part of your compliance health check, ask yourself the following:
Do you have a detailed inventory and check-in report?
A professionally prepared inventory and check-in report, supported by date-stamped photographs, provides a clear record of the property’s condition and contents at the start of the tenancy. This creates an important benchmark for both landlords and tenants and acts as a layer of protection when it comes to deposit claims.
Are you carrying out regular mid-term inspections?
Mid-term inspections can help identify maintenance issues, signs of damp or mould, damage or other concerns before they become more serious. They also highlight any breaches of the tenancy agreement, for example smoking or keeping pets where these have been banned.
Do you have a comprehensive check-out report?
A detailed check-out report records with date-stamped photographs the contents and condition of the property at the end of the tenancy and acts as a comparison against the original inventory. The report provides clear evidence should there be any disagreements over the property’s condition and supports any deposit claim.
Well-maintained property records don’t just help at the end of a tenancy. They provide evidence of good management throughout the tenancy and can be invaluable should questions arise about the condition of the property or the actions taken by a landlord.
4. Are maintenance issues dealt with promptly?
Keeping on top of maintenance isn’t just about protecting your investment. It’s also one of the most effective ways to ensure your property remains safe, comfortable and compliant.
Ask yourself:
Do you respond to repair requests promptly?
Small issues such as a leaking tap, damaged flooring or faulty extractor fan can quickly develop into larger, more expensive problems if they’re left unresolved.
Are you keeping a record of maintenance and communication?
Keep copies of repair requests, contractor invoices and correspondence with tenants. A clear record helps demonstrate that issues have been reported, investigated and dealt with appropriately.
Are you identifying problems before tenants report them?
Regular property inspections can help spot developing issues such as damp, mould, trip hazards or general wear and tear before they become more serious or lead to complaints.
Are you familiar with the latest HHSRS guidance?
The updated Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) places continued emphasis on identifying and managing potential hazards within rented properties. While the 2026 changes simplify how hazards are assessed and categorised, the expectation remains the same: landlords should take a proactive approach to maintaining safe homes.
Dealing with maintenance promptly not only helps protect your property, but also contributes to a better experience for tenants and reduces the likelihood of small issues becoming costly repairs later on.
5. Are you prepared for future changes?
Although many of the key provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act are already in force, the reforms are being introduced in phases. That means there are still important changes on the horizon, giving landlords an opportunity to prepare rather than react at the last minute.
As part of your compliance health check, consider the following:
Are you ready for the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database?
The new PRS Database will begin rolling out from late 2026 and will require landlords to register themselves, their rental properties and key compliance information. Although registration isn’t yet open, now is a good time to make sure your property records and documentation are organised.
Do you understand the role of the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman?
A mandatory Ombudsman scheme will be introduced during a later phase of the reforms, providing tenants with an independent route to raise complaints. Understanding how the scheme will operate now can help landlords prepare for future requirements.
Are you keeping up with future implementation dates?
The Renters’ Rights Act is not a one-off event. Further measures will continue to be introduced over the coming months and years, so it’s worth keeping an eye on government announcements and reviewing your processes as new requirements come into effect.
By staying informed and keeping your property records organised, you’ll be in a much stronger position to adapt as the remaining reforms are introduced.
Conclusion – A little preparation goes a long way
The Renters’ Rights Act has undoubtedly brought significant change to the private rented sector, and as further reforms continue to be introduced over the coming months, landlords who stay organised and review their processes regularly will be best placed to adapt with confidence.
The aim isn’t to overhaul the way you manage your properties every time new legislation is introduced, but to ensure your existing procedures continue to meet current legal requirements and reflect best practice.
A simple compliance health check today can help ensure your property management remains organised, compliant and ready for whatever comes next.