Renters Rights Act: New Government Guidelines on What Tenancy Agreements Must Include

From 1 May 2026, the way tenancy agreements are written in England will change with the introduction of the Renters Rights Act. Designed to make agreements clearer, fairer and easier to understand, the Act gives tenants a better sense of their rights while also providing landlords with a framework to reduce disputes.

For landlords, this means reviewing and updating agreements is no longer optional. Clear and compliant contracts not only protect your legal position but also make expectations obvious for your tenants, helping to prevent misunderstandings before they arise. By taking action now, you can ensure your agreements work for everyone involved and keep your rentals running smoothly under the new rules.

Why Were Tenancy Agreements Changed?

Tenancy agreements have long varied in content, with some landlords not legally required to disclose important information. This inconsistency meant that tenants often had different levels of protection depending on the agreement they signed.

The Renters Rights Act addresses this by standardising what must be included, so every tenant receives the same essential information and understands their rights from the start. For landlords, the change is largely straightforward, but it also serves as a reminder that overlooking even a small requirement could lead to enforcement action.

Information That Tenancy Agreements Must Now Contain Under Renters Rights Act

The Government has published clear guidance on what tenancy agreements must now include. The information they must contain are:

• Full names of all landlords and all tenants
• An address in England or Wales where the landlord can receive official notices
• Full address of the rented property
• Date the tenant is entitled to possession of the property
• Rent details, including the amount, due dates and any bills included
• Any additional charges the tenant is responsible for
• Deposit amount and confirmation that it is protected under a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme
• Statement on rent increases, noting that these must follow proper procedures (usually via a Section 13 notice)
• Pet clause, explaining tenants can request to keep pets and consent cannot be unreasonably withheld
• Minimum notice period for tenants to end the tenancy (usually two months)
• Landlord responsibilities confirming the property is fit for human habitation and compliant with safety regulations, including electrical and gas safety where relevant

What About Existing Tenancies?

If you already have tenants in place, you won’t need to rewrite their existing agreements. However, you will have to provide them with an information sheet outlining the new rights they have under the Renters Rights Act, and you must do so by 31 May 2026.

This approach is aimed at ensuring that tenants are fully informed of their rights while allowing landlords to remain compliant, without the need to overhaul every existing contract.

What Landlords Must Do Now

With the Renters Rights Act coming into effect soon, landlords should take the time to review and update their tenancy agreements. Each of the required points, from rent details to safety responsibilities, should be clearly stated so that both landlords and tenants know exactly where they stand.

Taking these steps not only ensures compliance with the new rules but also protects you from potential disputes and demonstrates professionalism in how you manage your properties. By acting now, you can make sure your agreements are thorough, transparent, and fit for the new legal framework.

Conclusion

The Renters Rights Act is designed to make renting fairer and more transparent for everyone. And for landlords, staying compliant is not just about meeting legal obligations, it is about reducing misunderstandings and potential disputes.

Clear and professional rental agreements build trust, protect your investment and demonstrate that you manage your properties responsibly. By acting now, you can ensure your agreements are fit for the new legal framework while providing a better, more transparent renting experience for your tenants.