Understanding the Renters Rights Act Tenant Information Sheet

Understanding the Renters’ Rights Changes: A Guide for Tenants

The private rented sector is undergoing one of its biggest reforms in years with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act.

As part of these changes, many tenants will receive an information sheet explaining what’s coming and how it may affect them. If you’ve had one land in your inbox or through your door, this guide breaks it down into clear, practical terms—no legal jargon, no headache.

Why are these changes happening?

In short: to make renting fairer, more secure, and more transparent.

The aim is to give tenants more stability in their homes while ensuring landlords meet consistent standards across the board.

What is the Renters’ Rights information sheet?

The information sheet is simply there to keep tenants informed about upcoming legal changes.

It’s not a notice, not a warning, and not a sign that anything is changing immediately—it’s just making sure you know what’s coming down the line.

Key changes tenants should be aware of

Here’s where it gets practical.

No more fixed-term tenancies

One of the biggest changes is the move away from traditional fixed-term agreements (like 6 or 12 months).

Tenancies are expected to become more open-ended periodic agreements, meaning:

No fixed “end date”
More flexibility to move when it suits you (with notice)
Greater long-term security

Rent increases will be more controlled

Rent increases will need to follow a formal legal process under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.

This means:

Proper written notice must be given
Increases are limited (typically once per year)
You have the right to challenge an increase if it feels unreasonable

So no surprises—everything has to be done properly and transparently.

The end of ‘no-fault’ evictions

This is a big one.

Under current rules, landlords can use Section 21 notice to regain possession of a property without giving a reason.

The reforms aim to abolish Section 21, meaning:

You can’t be asked to leave without a valid reason
Tenancies become more secure
There is greater accountability in the system

What replaces Section 21?

Instead, possession will rely on strengthened grounds under Section 8 notice.

This means a landlord can still regain possession—but only where there is a legitimate reason, such as:

Rent arrears
Breach of tenancy
The landlord needing to sell the property
The landlord or a family member moving in

In short: evictions don’t disappear—but they do become more structured and reason-based.

The right to request a pet

Tenants will have the legal right to request permission to keep a pet.

Landlords won’t be able to unreasonably refuse, although they can still consider:

Property suitability
Lease restrictions (especially in flats)
Potential impact on the property

They may also require appropriate insurance to cover damage.

So yes, the odds of finally getting that dog just improved.

What does this mean day-to-day?

For most tenants, the key takeaway is:

Nothing changes overnight.

Your current tenancy agreement still applies, and your responsibilities remain the same:

Pay rent on time
Look after the property
Report maintenance issues

The changes will be introduced gradually, and anything that directly affects your tenancy will always be clearly communicated.

What should you do now?

Not much, honestly:

Read the information sheet
Keep it for reference
Ask questions if anything isn’t clear

No immediate action required.

The bigger picture

The Renters’ Rights Act is about creating a more balanced rental market.

More security.
More transparency.
More fairness.

And fewer situations where tenants feel uncertain about their position.