With just weeks to go until the first major phase of reforms under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 take effect, the Government has ramped up its preparations with a flurry of activity. A series of statutory instruments, updated guidance and an official information sheet for tenants have now been published as part of a wider publicity campaign.
This article highlights what is changing on 1 May 2026, what landlords need to do now, and what is still to come.
What changes on 1 May 2026?
The first phase of the Act delivers the most significant reforms to the private rented sector (PRS) in decades.
End of section 21 "no fault" evictions and fixed terms
Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) will be consigned to history. Existing ASTs will automatically convert to periodic assured tenancies, and no new fixed-term assured tenancies can be granted.