The next few weeks bring some of the most significant regulatory changes the private rented sector has seen in decades. With the Renters' Rights Act 2025 commencing on 1 May 2026, a new low-cost route for tenants to challenge rent increases, and a welcome postponement of the updated EPC methodology, we wanted to bring everything together in one place — so you know exactly what's changing, what you need to do, and how we can help.
1. New tenant information sheet — action needed by 31 May 2026
The UK Government has published the official Renters' Rights Act information sheet 2026, which private landlords and letting agents in England must issue to existing tenants by 31 May 2026 as part of the Act's rollout.
The document explains how key aspects of a tenancy will change under the new law and is designed to ensure tenants understand their updated rights and responsibilities.
What you need to do
- You do not need to issue new tenancy agreements.
- You do need to deliver the official sheet to every named tenant on each existing written contract.
- The sheet must be sent directly to tenants — sharing a link to the download is not sufficient.
- Use only the latest official version from the Government's website. Third-party copies will not be accepted as valid for legal compliance.
Why it matters: Failure to provide the information sheet by the deadline could result in civil penalties of up to £7,000 per breach.
If you'd like us to handle distribution on your behalf — or if you have any questions about your responsibilities — please get in touch with your managing agent. We'll be happy to help.
2. Tenants to pay just £47 to challenge rent increases — from 1 May 2026
From 1 May 2026, tenants in England will be able to challenge proposed rent increases at tribunal for a fee of just £47 — one of the lowest fees anywhere in the court system. Financial support will also be available for those unable to afford the fee through existing assistance schemes.
The reforms form part of the wider overhaul of the private rented sector under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, aimed at giving tenants greater protection and preventing unfair rent increases. Under the new framework:
- Landlords will be able to raise rents only once a year, via a formal notice process.
- Tenants will have the right to challenge any increase they believe exceeds market rates.
Industry experts have suggested that the low cost of making a challenge could lead to more cases being brought forward, potentially delaying the implementation of rent increases while tribunal decisions are pending.
What this means for you: Evidence and good record-keeping will be more important than ever. Should one of your tenants raise a challenge, our systems and our partnership with Goodlord allow us to quickly compile a robust timeline of supporting documents — including comparable local rents, property condition records, and improvement history — to help defend your position. As always, we'll be alongside you throughout the process.
3. EPC methodology changes postponed to late 2027 — but the 2030 deadline stands
In more positive news, the Government has postponed the launch of its updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to the second half of 2027, giving landlords valuable extra time before the revised energy efficiency metrics come into force.
However, the October 2030 deadline for all private rented properties to meet a minimum EPC C rating remains unchanged. Encouragingly, costs already incurred on upgrades since October 2025 will count toward future regulatory caps — which may benefit landlords who are taking a proactive approach.
Our recommendation: Use this extended window to your advantage. Reviewing your current certificates and beginning improvements early offers several benefits:
- Spreading capital expenditure over several years rather than facing a 2030 cliff edge.
- Counting upgrade costs incurred from October 2025 onwards toward future regulatory caps.
- Greater appeal to energy-conscious tenants and stronger long-term rental valuations.
If you'd like us to review your portfolio's current EPC position and help prioritise improvements, just let us know.
Key dates at a glance
| Date | What's changing |
|---|---|
| 1 May 2026 | Renters' Rights Act 2025 takes effect; £47 rent challenge fee introduced |
| 31 May 2026 | Deadline to issue the official information sheet to existing tenants |
| H2 2027 | New EPC methodology launches |
| October 2030 | All private rented properties must meet minimum EPC C rating |
We're here to help
These changes represent a meaningful shift in how the private rented sector operates, and we're already updating our processes to support you through every step. If you have any questions about the points above — or would like us to handle compliance, tenant communications, or EPC planning on your behalf — please get in touch with your usual point of contact.