The law governing the private housing rented sector is changing, bringing significant reforms that will affect both landlords and tenants.
From 1 May, tenants will benefit from new rights, while new rules will be introduced for private landlords.
In preparation for the changes, Rushmoor Borough Council is urging landlords and letting agents to familiarise themselves with their new legal responsibilities and to take action ahead of deadlines.
Around 20 per cent of households in Rushmoor live in privately rented accommodation. The changes aim to provide tenants with much greater security and stability, while ensuring clearer, more consistent standards across the sector.
The changes, which will affect most private tenants and those with an assured shorthold tenancy, introduce new rules on starting and ending tenancies, changes to rent and payments and new requirements for tenancy agreements.
James Duggin, Executive Head of Operations at Rushmoor Borough Council said: “These changes represent a major overhaul of the rental sector. It is essential that both landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities. To support this, the government requires landlords and letting agencies to serve an official government-produced information sheet to all tenants by 31 May 2026.
“There are strict rules about how this may be issued, and failure to comply could lead to a fine of up to £7,000. We strongly encourage landlords to act sooner rather than later as the deadline is fast approaching.”
Links to further information about what landlords need to do can be found on the government’s housing hub website.
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