Renting is changing: how landlords across Kirklees can prepare for the Renters’ Rights Act
On 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act will come into effect, changing the way the private rental sector operates throughout the UK. We are encouraging landlords across Kirklees to start getting prepared to ensure they are ready and compliant.
What does this mean for landlords?
The new legislation aims to improve transparency, security, and fairness for both landlords and tenants. The main changes outlined in the Renters’ Rights Act include ending ‘no fault’ evictions, removing ‘fixed term’ tenancies, limiting rent increases, and introducing a national private rental database.
Landlords across Kirklees will need to be prepared for these changes, adapting how they manage tenancies and review rents to comply with the new rules and increased levels of regulation.
What can you do to prepare?
To ensure landlords across Kirklees are as prepared as possible, we recommend reading through the government checklist, reviewing policies, property conditions and processes now. This will help to ensure a smooth transition, minimise risk of non-compliance, and continue to let homes confidently and responsibly once the Renters’ Rights Act is in force.
Government guidance provides a clear list of actions including:
– Familiarising yourself with the changes – read the GOV.UK guidance and resources available on Kirklees Council’s website to begin to understand the changes.
– Reviewing tenancy and management documents – update agreements, rent increase processes, and internal procedures to reflect the new rules.
– Checking property compliance and policies – ensure mortgages, insurance, and tenancy clauses do not restrict tenants unfairly, and plan for property adverts to include the asking price.
– Preparing for new tenant communications – be ready to provide government information sheets and required written details to both existing and new tenants when the Act comes into effect.
– Understanding new forms and procedures – get familiar with the updated possession and rent increase forms.
– Planning for property upgrades – prepare for any property upgrades or repairs that may be needed to meet the Decent Homes Standards.
Ensure you stay informed about further updates, access useful resources and keep up to date with any new guidance by signing up to our landlord bulletin.
Councillor Moses Crook, Cabinet Member for Transport and Housing said:
“These reforms are a major change for the sector, and we want landlords across Kirklees to feel supported and well prepared, maintaining high standards for their tenants. Using the resources available and getting prepared early, landlords can make sure their properties and practices are ready before changes come into effect.”