The tenancy reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 took effect on 1 May 2026. The deadline for providing required information to existing tenants was 31 May 2026. For Essex landlords, June is a time to review tenancy records, costs, insurance and buy-to-let mortgage arrangements.
Check your tenancy records
Most existing assured shorthold tenancies automatically became assured periodic tenancies on 1 May.
Where an existing tenancy had a written agreement, landlords should have provided every named tenant with the government’s Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May. Where a tenancy was entirely verbal, landlords should instead have provided written information setting out its key terms.
If either requirement was missed, act promptly and obtain legal or letting-agent advice. Alexandra Hamilton’s mortgage jargon guide may help with borrowing terminology, while separate conveyancing advice may be needed for ownership matters.
Review possession and rent procedures
Landlords can no longer serve a new Section 21 notice. To recover possession, you normally need to use the revised Section 8 process, identify a valid ground and give the correct notice. Many grounds require 4 months’ notice, although shorter periods may apply.
A valid Section 21 notice served before 1 May may still support court proceedings, but transitional deadlines apply. In many cases, proceedings must begin by 31 July 2026 or earlier if the notice expires first. Seek legal advice before relying on an old notice.
Rent can generally be increased only once a year through the revised Section 13 procedure, using Form 4A and giving at least 2 months’ notice. Rental bidding is prohibited, and landlords cannot accept an offer above the advertised rent. Restrictions also apply to requesting rent before an agreement is signed and taking more than 1 month’s rent in advance.
Recheck your mortgage budget
Review rent, mortgage payments, service charges, repairs, insurance, tax, vacant periods and overall affordability over the year.
If an introductory deal is ending, review your mortgage options and whether a remortgage may be suitable after considering fees, early repayment charges, rental coverage and lender criteria. A broker can explain why mortgage advice may help, but any recommendation must reflect your circumstances.
Check insurance and future requirements
Review whether your landlords insurance still reflects the property, occupancy and tenancy. Buildings cover, legal expenses, loss-of-rent protection, excesses and exclusions vary. You may also wish to read home insurance information.
A national Private Rented Sector Database is expected to begin a phased rollout from late 2026. Keep compliance records organised and wait for confirmed regional dates, processes and fees.
FAQs
Is my existing fixed-term tenancy still fixed?
Usually not. Most assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies on 1 May, so the previous end date generally no longer applies.
Can I increase rent whenever my costs rise?
No. Rent can generally be increased only once a year through the prescribed process, and tenants may challenge an increase above the open-market rent.
What should I do next?
Review your records, rent process, insurance and borrowing. Read about Alexandra Hamilton’s fair-advice approach, submit a mortgage enquiry or contact the team to discuss your circumstances.
Important information
Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and will be agreed with you before proceeding, but we estimate this to be £995.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some forms of buy-to-let mortgages.
