Landlords: What You Must Send Tenants Under New Renters' Rights Act
The Renters’ Rights Bill has now become law, and if you’re a landlord, you need to act quickly to update your tenants. The key question many landlords are asking is: what documents do I need to send, and how do I tell tenants their old agreement no longer applies?
The short answer is that your existing tenancy agreement hasn’t automatically disappeared — but the new Act introduces significant changes to tenant protections that you must communicate clearly.
Under the new Renters’ Rights Act, you’ll need to provide your tenants with updated information about their rights and your responsibilities as a landlord. This includes details about rent increases, notice periods, deposit protection, and grounds for eviction. Rather than simply scrapping the old agreement, you should send tenants a written notice explaining which parts of their existing tenancy remain valid and which are now governed by the new legal framework.
The government has produced template letters and guidance documents specifically for this purpose. These are available on the official UK government website and through landlord associations like the National Landlord Association (NLA). Using these templates helps ensure you’re compliant and protects you legally.
What you must include:
- A clear explanation that the new Act is now in force
- Details of what’s changed regarding their rights
- Information about how rent increases will work going forward
- Clarification of notice periods for both parties
- Your contact details for queries
Send this notice in writing — email is acceptable if you have the tenant’s email address on file, but a physical letter is safer proof of delivery. Keep a copy for your records.
Don’t delay on this. The sooner you communicate with tenants, the fewer misunderstandings you’ll face later. If you’re unsure about the specific requirements, your local landlord association or a lettings agent can advise you.
For official guidance, visit gov.uk and search for “Renters’ Rights Act” or contact your landlord association for template documents tailored to your situation.