Another day, another Renters' Rights Act 2025 update!

All private registered providers (PRPs) should have received a letter from Matthew Pennycook MP, the Minister for Housing and Planning, highlighting the knock-on implications of the Act (and in particular the end of assured shorthold tenancies, which for these tenancies will take effect on 1 May 2026) for shared owners in respect of sub-letting. The letter links to an Information note for RPs about the changes, in particular setting out how restrictions on how shared owners will be able to terminate sub-tenants' tenancy agreements should be taken into account by RPs when giving and (if relevant) withdrawing permission to sub-let.

The Information Note also calls for RPs to bring to the attention of their shared ownership customers who are sub-letting (or when they seek permission to do so):

• a new information note for shared owners about the impact of the Act, which includes template exemption notices that shared owners should serve on tenants (and for existing tenants this should be served by 31 May 2026) so that 12 month restriction on reletting that would otherwise apply on use of the amended Ground 1 (landlord moving into the property) and new Ground 1A for possession (landlord selling the property) will not apply. RPs are asked to highlight this restriction to shared ownerships;
• the campaign site for private landlords and the full landlord guidance. (The Government has produced lots of helpful information to raise awareness for both landlords and tenants); and
• the need for shared owners to comply with the rules for private landlords.

It isn't a legal obligation on RPs to take this step, but it would of course be good practice to follow and implement. Given the impending deadlines, this knowledge-sharing exercise needs to be undertaken ASAP.

For more information or advice on the Renters' Rights Act, please contact me.