As 1 May 2026 and the introduction of tenure changes under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 for ‘private landlords’ fast approaches, one of the key practical things we have been advising private registered providers (PRPs) to do is set customer expectations about how the changes affect (or more precisely, don't yet affect) them.

The mainstream press headlines (and therefore the ones customers are most likely to have seen, read and heard) have focused on the changes in tenure that will affect the private sector from 1 May: no more assured shorthold tenancies and section 21 notices, statutory rent review process only and right to request pets. 

Those headlines have not made the distinction for PRP's low cost rental accommodation stock (essentially all RPs housing stock except market rent stock). Therefore it is probable that some customers of PRPs will be expecting the 1 May 2026 to affect them.

We have been advising PRPs to make sure they set expectations and communicate clearly with residents to avoid any challenges later on (for example, serving a section 21 notice on a starter tenant who may then complain that it is invalid). 

The Government has now produced a policy paper ‘Implementing the Renters’ Rights Act: Social Housing’ which will provide a useful independent and impartial resource for PRPs to refer their tenants to. This paper confirms that in respect of tenants (excluding any market rent tenants) :

• Tenure changes will not apply until October 2027 - ASTs, fixed terms and section 21 notices can still be used until then; and
• RPs will still be able to rely on contractual rent review provisions.

The one point it doesn't cover (and hopefully this will be addressed in a future update to the paper) is that the provisions in the Act about pets also does not apply to PRP tenants.