Landlords offered a free Renters’ Rights Act health check

Landlords are being advised to get ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act, with one leading letting agency warning that the sector is running out of time to prepare.

The reforms come into force on 1 May 2026, and Leaders says the transition will be one of the most significant overhauls of rental law in decades.

To help, it is offering free landlord health checks to help them understand what the changes mean for their properties and tenancy paperwork.

Chance to modernise

The firm’s national lettings managing director, Allison Thompson, said: “This is a landmark moment for the private rented sector.

“The Renters’ Rights Act ushers in a new era of fairness and clarity, and while the changes can feel daunting, they also offer landlords a chance to modernise their business and enhance tenant relationships.”

She added: “Renting is already governed by more than 180 laws and 400 regulations, and this Act adds another layer of complexity to the existing framework.”

Act will mean change

The Renters’ Rights Act will abolish Section 21 notices, ending the ability to remove tenants without a stated reason.

It will also replace all fixed terms with a single rolling tenancy model.

Alongside that shift, the law introduces longer notice periods, tighter rules on possession and a new system limiting rent increases to once a year.

Tenants will also be able to challenge rises they view as unfair.

Book a health check

Other measures include a halt on bidding wars and stronger protections for renters.

Tenants have the right to request pets and there’s a ban on blanket refusals for people receiving benefits or families with children.

Leaders’ free checks offer a review of agreements, documentation and operating practices to flag risks before the law takes effect.

Its team will also guide landlords through the new notice structure, rent review rules and the shift to periodic contracts.

The company says early action will reduce the risk of penalties and give landlords confidence that their portfolios meet the incoming legal standard.

Landlords can book a free review or find further information through Leaders or their local branch.