Managing a tenancy - information for landlords

Contents

• Overview
• Starting a tenancy
• During a tenancy
• Ending a tenancy and eviction
• Support for landlords
• Local authority enforcement

Overview

This guide is for landlords in the private rental sector to help you understand your rights and responsibilities, when managing a tenancy. 

It provides detailed information on each stage of the process, including;

• tenancy agreements
• fees
• legal requirements
• rights of the tenants
• how to end a tenancy and
• eviction.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 changes

• the way that landlords must manage tenancies
• the type of tenancy agreement that can be used
• how to increase rent and
• how to end a tenancy

It also places additional duties and powers on Local Authorities to investigate and enforce action against Landlords and Lettings Agents in breach of the new legislation. You can find out more about the Renters’ Rights Act on the Government’s Housing Hub.

From 1 May 2026, the following changes are in place:

• Section 21 can no longer be used. You must use a Section 8 notice with a valid reason for gaining possession of the property
• New tenancies will be Assured Periodic Tenancies​ (tenancies which run on indefinitely, instead of fixed term agreements)
• Any existing fixed term agreements will have converted to periodic agreements on 1 May
• Possession grounds​ have been updated and you will only be able to evict tenants if you have a valid reason
• Rent increases are limited to once a year​. You must provide 2 months’ notice and use the Section 4a Form. If your tenant does not think the new value is in line with the market they can ask the First Tier Rent Tribunal to review the change
• Rental bidding and rent in advance​ payments are banned
• It is illegal to discriminate against renters who have children or receive benefits​ 
• Tenant requests to rent with a pet​ must be considered and not unreasonably refused

Other parts of the Act, such as a databases for landlords and a redress scheme for tenant complaints will roll out at a later date. You can view the Government's timetable for implementation: Implementing the Renters' Rights Act 2025: Our roadmap for reforming the Private Rented Sector - GOV.UK