UK Home Finding and the Renters’ Rights Act

The Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) is the biggest shake-up of the UK rental property market in a generation. This article covers the key changes Global Mobility, Talent, and HR teams need to know when moving employees to the UK.

Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act

After receiving Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, it is now law in England, and the Government started its three-phase roll-out plan:

Key Dates

• 1 May 2026 (Phase 1): Core tenancy reforms went live across all private tenancies in England.
• By 31 May 2026: landlords must issue the Government information sheet to existing tenants and provide written terms where no written agreement exists.
• Late 2026 (Phase 2): start of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database roll-out and creation of the Landlord Ombudsman, with mandatory membership expected as the scheme scales.
• Mid 2030s (Phase 3): Decent Homes Standard launch to ensure private rentals meet minimum safety and habitability standards.

Key Changes That Came Into Effect 1 May 2026

• Periodic tenancies only: Fixed-term contracts (ASTs) are replaced by rolling agreements. Tenants can give two months’ notice at any time.
• Stronger tenant safeguards: Section 21 is abolished and Section 8 reformed. Landlords must provide clear evidence for repossession (e.g. sale, move-in, serious arrears, antisocial behavior).
• Rent increase controls: Limited to once per year via Section 13 with two months’ notice. Tenants can challenge above-market increases.
• Ban on rental bidding: Properties must be advertised at a set rent; higher offers cannot be accepted.
• Cap on rent in advance: Limited to one month’s rent after signing.
• Pets: Tenants can request permission to keep pets. Landlords must respond within 28 days and cannot unreasonably refuse.
• Fair access: Bans discriminatory practices, including against families with children.
• Enforcement and fines: Local authorities have stronger investigatory powers and increased penalties for non-compliance.

Why Does This Matter to Talent Mobility Teams for Relocations to the UK?

For employers bringing talent to the UK on Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas and skilled worker visa routes, the RRA is good news overall, providing controls over rental cost increases, and more options for people relocating with families and pets. It also offers assurance and flexibility in relation to assignments.

The trade-off is that day-to-day compliance and documentation standards are increasing, requiring robust compliance and tenancy tracking on behalf of employers and their relocation companies. It also remains to be seen how it will affect the availability of rental stock over the years as we may see more landlords reduce their portfolios.

How Sirva Supports You and Your Relocating Employees

Whether you use Sirva’s home finding and DSP services, or a more integrated relocations including our Visa & Immigration services, there are several ways we help:

• Data-led market guidance: Access to Sirva Housing Matters benchmarking, robust datasets, and local relocation experts to stay ahead of market trends.
• Tracking and compliance: Ensure tenancy compliance with the RRA, supported by technology to monitor rolling tenancies.
• Budgeting and approvals: Align housing budgets with current market rates using real-time data.
• Right to Rent pre-checks: Verify employee documentation in line with evolving compliance requirements, integrated with immigration and moving services.
• Home finding and move-in: End-to-end support, from property screening and viewings to lease negotiation and audit-ready move-in (inventory, utilities, reporting).
• Policy updates and compliance readiness: Ongoing policy review and lease monitoring to ensure alignment with legislation and lawful rent review schedules.

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