From May 2026, The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, bringing a new wave of changes. Much of the commentary, has focused on the abolition of Section 21 or ‘no-fault’ evictions, a less explored issue is the impact on oral tenancy agreements.
Although oral tenancies remain legally capable of existing under English law, the Act introduces a requirement for landlords to provide prescribed written information to tenants on or before 31 May 2026 for existing tenancies, including:
- Landlord’s name and address
- Tenant/s names
- Property address
- Tenancy start date
- Rent amount and when it is due
- Rent increase statement that you will comply with s13 Housing Act 1988
- If the rent amount includes bills, which bills are included
- Amount of deposit
- Minimum notice by tenant for ending the tenancy
- You must explain, as landlord that in most circumstances you will only be able to end the tenancy through an order for possession and that you will have to serve a possession notice, using the correct forms, specify the ground/s and that the minimum notice period will depend on the ground.
- Must explain that s9A of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 places you under an obligation to ensure the property is fit for human habitation.
- Explain that s11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires you to keep in repair the structure and exterior of the property and keep in good working order the installation of gas, water, electricity, heating and for sanitation.
- Explain that regulation 3 of the Electrical Safety Standards are met during any period when the property is occupied under the tenancy. To ensure that relevant electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified person every 5 years (supplying a copy of the report to the tenant).
- Explain that Regulation 36 of the Gas Safety (Installations and Use) Regulations 1998 places you under an obligation to ensure any relevant fittings are maintained in a safe condition, and that a Gas safety check to be carried out at intervals required by 1998 regulations, by a Gas Safe registered engineer (providing a copy of that report to the tenant.)
- Provide information about s1900 of the Equality Act 2010, stating you are not allowed to unreasonably withhold consent to a tenant’s request to make improvements to the premises if a disabled person occupies and the improvement requested would allow that person to enjoy the premises as their main or only home.
- Explain that the tenant can keep a pet at the property if they ask to do so, and you give your consent and that you may not unreasonably withhold consent
Failure to comply may result in substantial fines imposed on Landlords by the Local Authorities or inability to recover possession.
