1) Stop relying on Section 21; plan for Section 8 possession routes
Action points
Review your current tenancy files; assume Section 21 will not be an option after 1 May 2026.
Tighten your evidence trail for any future possession need (rent arrears records, complaint logs, inspection notes, neighbour reports where relevant).
Make sure your property management process supports enforcement through valid grounds rather than “no fault”.
Official overview: UK Government guide to the Act.
2) Rent increases; once per year, formal notice, clearer challenge route
Action points
Build a fixed annual rent review process; avoid informal mid year rises.
Use the correct statutory notice approach; keep proof of service.
Benchmark rent against true comparables so your increase is defensible if challenged.
Government guidance on rent increases (includes transition notes around notices served before 1 May 2026).
3) Rent in advance; prepare for the one month cap
Action points
Update your advertising, onboarding scripts, and application processes; stop requesting multiple months rent in advance for new tenancies from 1 May 2026.
Train staff and agents not to “accept an offer” of extra rent upfront as a workaround; the restriction is intended to prevent that behaviour.
Revisit your affordability and referencing checks; you may need better screening rather than upfront rent.
Tenant facing explainer on the rent in advance change (useful for understanding the rule clearly).
4) Rental discrimination; check your criteria and adverts
The Act introduces measures to prevent discrimination against renters with children or who receive benefits.
Action points
Remove blanket statements like “No DSS” or “No children” from adverts, scripts, and landlord instructions.
Keep written, objective criteria; affordability ratios, references, and property suitability should be consistent and recorded.
Government guidance on rental discrimination rules.
5) Get ready for stronger standards and complaint routes
The reforms include wider changes such as clearer expectations around hazards and redress, and the overall direction is stricter enforcement.
Action points
Carry out a pre May compliance audit; gas safety, electrical safety, alarms, EPC, mould and damp risk, and prompt repair response times.
Keep inspection photos, contractor invoices, and repair timelines organised in one folder per property.
Parliament briefing on what is changing and when (good high level reference).
6) Update your documents; templates, clauses, and processes
Action points
Review your tenancy templates and any “rent increase clauses”; clauses that conflict with the new system may not work as intended.
Update your move in pack; how to report repairs, what happens with rent reviews, and who handles complaints.
Shelter summary of practical changes around rent increases and notice.
External references to include
UK Government; Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act:
UK Government; Rent increases guidance for landlords and letting agents:
UK Government; Rental discrimination guidance:
House of Commons Library; timeline and key measures:
Shelter; rent in advance cap and tenant facing explanation:
Conclusion; speak to Primeland Property
If you are a landlord in East London and you want your tenancy paperwork, rent review process, and compliance approach ready before 1 May 2026, speak to Primeland Property. We can help you let correctly, stay compliant, and protect your rental income with a practical plan tailored to your property and tenant profile; call 0207 377 5445 or contact us via primelandproperty.co.uk/contact-us.
