Rental services provider Housing Hand says it’s ready to support accommodation providers and tenants as the sector heads into what it describes as a “year of disruption” following the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act.
The first measures of the Act come into force from 1 May 2026, requiring updated tenancy agreements for all new lets.
Under the changes, landlords will be unable to request more than one month’s rent in advance, accept offers above the advertised rent, or discriminate against families with children or benefit claimants. They will also be required to properly consider all pet requests.
Existing tenancies will also be affected, with landlords required to issue a new ‘Information Sheet’, follow a revised process for rent increases and use Section 8 as the sole route for eviction, replacing Section 21. Further measures are due to follow later in 2026.
OPPORTUNITIES AND RISK
Housing Hand says the scale of change creates both risks and opportunities for accommodation providers.
Graham Hayward (main picture), managing director of Housing Hand, says: “The rental market faces a year of disruption in 2026. The major regulatory change means accommodation providers of all types need to think about their models and how to embrace the opportunities that the Renters’ Rights Act will give rise to.
“It’s something for which we’ve been preparing for a long time here at Housing Hand, with the breadth of opportunity inspiring new services that are extensions of how the market needs to manage its new risks.”
HELP FOR LANDLORDS
The firm plans to launch a range of new services during 2026, aimed at helping landlords adapt to the new framework while also supporting renters with independent advice across different accommodation types, including build-to-rent, purpose-built student accommodation, HMOs and university halls.
One key area of focus will be changes to leasing documentation and protecting rental income during the transition.
Housing Hand says it will work closely with providers through its guarantor services, with a new guarantor product due to be unveiled in the New Year.
CERTAINTY AND CLARITY
James Maguire, sales and business development director at Housing Hand, says: “Looking forward, the role of the guarantor doesn’t fundamentally shift but landlords will need different levels of cover to suit their different risk profiles.
“Ultimately, both landlords and tenants will want certainty and clarity over what happens if the tenant can’t pay their rent or damages the property in some way.
“We’re rolling out a new product in early 2026 to help provide this, supporting all parties to manage the rental process smoothly.”
GUARANTOR PRODUCT
The latest announcements follow the launch earlier this year of Housing Hand’s A-Void product, which covers up to three months of void costs at 50% of guaranteed rent where landlords rent to tenants using Housing Hand as their guarantor and have served a Ground 4a notice.
The product is designed to help align new rental processes with the academic year, supporting the continued supply of student housing.
DISRUPTION LOOMS
Jeremy Robinson, Group Founder and Chief Executive of Housing Hand, says that the full impact of the legislation would take time to emerge.
He adds: “Disruption will certainly be felt across the rental market in 2026. We don’t expect things to start playing out fully until 2027 onwards, particularly in relation to accommodation providers who rent to students.
“The start of the 2027/28 academic year will be the real start of the ‘new normal’ in terms of feeling the impact of the Renters’ Rights Act. We’re looking ahead to that and helping accommodation providers get there while making the most of the opportunities that arise along the way.”
