The government has launched a new awareness campaign aimed at improving landlords’ understanding of how the Renters’ Rights Act will operate in practice ahead of its implementation on 1 May 2026.

The campaign consists of a series of guidance notes explaining how different parts of the Act will work. Further guidance on several key areas is expected to be published throughout 2026.

In a statement to Landlord Today, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) stressed that responsibility for compliance rests firmly with landlords. The department stated:  “As a landlord, it is your responsibility to read the guidance in full and make the necessary changes to your letting practices to ensure compliance when the law is implemented.”

What landlords will be required to do

Provide information to existing tenants
Landlords will be required to issue a government-produced information sheet explaining how the new rules affect the tenancy. This document is due to be published in March 2026 and must be given to tenants on or before 31 May 2026.

Where a tenancy is based entirely on a verbal agreement, landlords will instead be required to provide tenants with a written record of specified terms. Further guidance on the required information will be issued in January 2026.

Prepare new tenancies from 1 May 2026
All new tenancies created on or after 1 May 2026 must include prescribed information in writing. The government expects this to be incorporated into updated written tenancy agreements, with detailed guidance due in January 2026 to allow landlords time to amend templates.

Student landlords and Ground 4A
Student landlords wishing to rely on the new Ground 4A for possession will be required to notify tenants in writing. Guidance on the correct process is expected in March 2026.

Changes to advertising and rent practices
From May 2026, landlords must publish an asking rent in any written adverts. Rent bidding above that amount will be prohibited, as will requests for more than one month’s rent in advance.

New prescribed forms
The government will introduce new mandatory forms, including for rent increases. These are expected to be published in early 2026, and landlords are advised to familiarise themselves with them promptly.

And the MHCLG adds: “If you’re using a letting agency, you should consider talking to them about what these changes mean for you. You should also consider taking your own legal advice about complex matters. Our simple checklist will also help show what you need to do to prepare you and when.”

This is where you can read the guidance on the current rental system