Renters’ Rights Act - 1st May 2026

Renters’ Rights Act: What South Yorkshire Landlords Need To Do Before 1st May 2026

A guide to staying compliant, confident, and ahead of the curve

The Renters’ Rights Act has now passed, and with the official implementation date confirmed as 1st May 2026, landlords across South Yorkshire — from Barnsley to Rotherham, Sheffield to Doncaster — will soon enter a brand-new era of lettings.

While many headlines focus on the end of Section 21 and the increase in tenant rights, this is not a doom-and-gloom moment for good landlords. In fact, those who prepare now will find the transition smooth, manageable, and even beneficial.

With just six months until the changes take effect, now is the perfect time to get organised.

Below is a clear breakdown of:

• What the Act means for landlords
• What you should be doing NOW
• What must happen on or within 30 days of 1st May 2026
• How Beecroft Estates will help you stay compliant every step of the way

What’s Changing for Landlords?

1. Section 21 Will End

The Act abolishes Section 21 “no fault” evictions.
All future repossessions will be via updated Section 8 grounds — many of which have been strengthened, particularly around selling a property or needing it back for personal use.

Good news:
If your tenancies are well-managed, and paperwork is correct, you will still have reliable routes to gain possession.

2. All Tenancies Become Assured Periodic Tenancies (APT)

From 1st May 2026, the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) model disappears.

Every tenancy becomes an Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT).

This comes with specific requirements — and landlords MUST act quickly after the implementation date.

3. Statement of Terms Required Within 30 Days

This is one of the most important parts of the Renters’ Rights Act.

Every landlord must issue a Statement of Terms to each existing tenant within 30 days of 1st May 2026.

This document must confirm, in writing:

• That the tenancy has transitioned to an Assured Periodic Tenancy
• The core terms that apply (rent, deposit, landlord obligations, notice terms, etc.)
• Any changes that replace previous AST clauses

Failure to issue this is likely to have enforcement consequences — and could weaken your position if you later need possession.

4. Rent Increases Limited to Once Per Year

Rent reviews are now:

• Limited to once every 12 months
• Required to follow updated Section 13 rules
• Subject to clear notice periods

If you use outdated templates or increase rent incorrectly, you could lose rent, receive a challenge, or breach the Act.

5. New Pets Framework

The Act allows tenants to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords must not unreasonably refuse.

You can, however:

• Request pet insurance
• Add a pet clause to your terms
• Set reasonable conditions to protect the property

Handled well, this should not create problems — but it WILL require updated tenancy templates and a consistent decision-making process.

What Landlords Should Do NOW (Pre–1st May 2026)

1. Review your tenancy templates

Ensure your agreements can convert cleanly from AST → APT.
Any outdated clauses (break clauses, fixed terms, old pet clauses, duplicated notices, etc.) must be removed.

2. Get ready for annual rent review rules

Update your processes so the timing of rent reviews complies with the new “once per year” limitation and revised Section 13 requirements.

3. Prepare a compliant Statement of Terms

Beecroft can draft these for you once the final prescribed format is released.

4. Audit all tenancy files

Check the basics:

• EPC
• Gas Safety
• EICR
• Deposit registration
• How To Rent (until replaced)
• Contact details
• Previous rent review dates

Compliance has never mattered more.

5. Decide your position on pets

Get your policy ready now so you can respond clearly and consistently to requests in 2026.

6. Speak to your agent

The changes will be heavily enforced. Good management now will save a lot of headaches later.

What Landlords Must Do On or Within 30 Days of 1st May 2026

1. Convert all ASTs to APTs

This happens automatically in law — but you must ensure your paperwork supports it.

2. Issue the Statement of Terms to every tenant

This is mandatory and must be delivered within 30 days.

3. Use the updated Section 13 rent review process

Any review after 1st May must use the updated forms, notice periods, and annual limits.

4. Ensure all new and ongoing tenancies meet the APT rules

Check:

• Notice lengths
• Rent increase timing
• Any new pets policy
• Dispute processes

5. Maintain accurate and updated tenancy records

Strong record-keeping will protect you if enforcement or disputes arise.

The Good News for Landlords

Despite the noise around this Act:

• You still have strong possession routes
• You can still manage rent increases sensibly
• You can still control property standards and tenant behaviour
• You can still refuse pets where there is a valid reason
• Professional landlords who follow the rules will actually find things simpler, not harder

The biggest risk is not being prepared — but that’s exactly where we can help.

Beecroft Estates: Your Compliance Partner for 2026 and Beyond

With over 1,800 managed properties across South Yorkshire, we are already preparing landlords for the 1st May 2026 transition.

We will ensure every landlord we manage is:

• Fully compliant
• Issuing the correct Statements of Terms
• Using the correct APT paperwork
• Following the correct rent review rules
• Keeping robust records
• Protected from fines, enforcement, or avoidable disputes

If you’re unsure, busy, or simply want peace of mind, hand the management to Beecroft — we’ll take responsibility for keeping you compliant.

Speak to Jeff at Beecroft Estates today on 01226 442 024

Let us guide you through the new legislation and ensure you’re ready long before 1st May 2026.