What Landlords Must Do Before May 2026: Key Changes You Cannot Ignore
The rental market is about to change.
From May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force across England. As a result, landlords need to be prepared.
If you leave this too late, you risk delays, compliance issues and unnecessary stress.
Why this matters now
The changes are not theoretical. They affect how you manage your property day to day. As a result, landlords need to review how their properties are set up and how they are being managed before May.
Your landlord checklist before May 2026
If you own a rental property, this is what you should be reviewing now.
1. Tenancy agreements
Make sure your tenancy agreement reflects the latest requirements.
Outdated agreements may not protect you properly under the new rules.
2. Tenant information
You will need to provide the correct information to tenants at the right time.
This includes updated documentation and clear communication.
3. Rent increases
Review how rent increases are handled.
Processes are becoming more structured, and tenants have more ability to challenge increases.
4. Ending tenancies
Rules around ending tenancies are changing.
As a result, landlords need to fully understand what is and is not allowed.
5. Ongoing compliance
Make sure all safety and legal requirements are up to date.
This includes certificates, documentation and record keeping.
What happens if you do nothing
Many landlords assume they can deal with this later.
In reality:
- You may not be compliant
- You may face delays if issues arise
- You may find it harder to manage tenants correctly
As a result, small oversights can turn into bigger problems.
A growing shift among landlords
We are already seeing more landlords review how they manage their properties. In many cases, landlords who previously self managed are now reconsidering, as the level of responsibility increases.
If you are currently managing your property yourself, you can also read our guide here:
https://properly.space/when-to-hire-a-property-manager-uk/-uk-2026
How we can help
At Properly, we manage properties across London and the UK, helping landlords stay compliant and organised as regulations change.
If you want to make sure everything is in place before May 2026, we are happy to talk things through.
Call us on 0207 459 4400 or email mariel@properly.space