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Does the Renters' Rights Act apply to existing tenancies?

Last verified 23 October 2026

Yes. In England, the Renters' Rights Act applied to existing tenancies from 1 May 2026. All existing assured shorthold tenancies changed to assured periodic tenancies on that date, so the new rules cover tenants who moved in before then as well as new ones.

Since 1 May 2026, landlords cannot evict tenants using the section 21 process, and a tenancy agreement cannot have an end date. Rent can be increased no more than once a year, using the section 13 process with Form 4A and at least 2 months' notice. Existing written tenancy agreements do not have to be changed or reissued.

For existing tenancies with a written agreement, landlords had to give every named tenant The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026. If the tenancy was based only on a verbal agreement, you had to give the written information about key terms by the same date. The council can take enforcement action if a landlord breaks the rules. Wales and Scotland have their own tenancy laws.

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General information, not tax or legal advice. Rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.