RRA

The Renters Rights Act is one of the biggest shake ups of the private lettings section in quite some time.   We understand that may landlords and agents are worried but we feel that these changes will not only benefit tenants but support professional landlords and improve the sector as a whole.

For too long poor management standards and a minority of criminal landlords have blighted the industry and made the title of 'landlord' almost a bad word. This is wrong, professional private landlords provide a essential service within the housing market.

If you are worried about what will change under Renters Rights and what you need to know and do to prepared we are here to help you prepare.  We will be building on this pages, posting updates and links to Gov guidance and templates as the are announced.

The RRA will be rolled out in three phases.

So, what does Phase one look like, what do i need to know?  In short, from 1st May 2026 the RRA will:

  • abolish section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.
  • introduce Assured Periodic Tenancies in the private rented sector (PRS).
  • reform possession grounds in the PRS so they are fair for both parties.
  • limit rent increases to once a year in the PRS.
  • ban rental bidding and rent in advance.
  • make it illegal to discriminate against renters who have children or receive benefits.
  • require landlords in the PRS to consider tenant requests to rent with a pet.
  • strengthen both local council enforcement and rent repayment orders.

For further reading, please see the government pages on:

We have prepared a schedule of training for 2026 covering the changes that the new legislation brings. Find out about these and other events here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us via 0191 277 1438 or at privaterentedservice@newcastle.gov.uk.