Renters’ Rights Act 2026:

New Tenancy Agreement Rules for Landlords in Flitwick, Ampthill & Barton-le-Clay

Landlords across Flitwick, Ampthill and Barton-le-Clay will soon need to update their tenancy agreements following confirmation from the Government on new rules under the Renters’ Rights Act.

The legislation introduces a mandatory written statement for new assured periodic tenancies, which must be provided before a tenancy agreement is signed.

The new rules come into force on 1 May 2026, meaning landlords and letting agents should begin preparing updated tenancy documents now.

For landlords in Mid Bedfordshire – where the rental market remains strong and demand from tenants continues to be high – ensuring compliance with these changes will be essential to avoid fines and delays when letting a property.

At Love Homes, we’ve broken down the key points landlords need to know.

What is changing under the Renters’ Rights Act?

The Government has now confirmed the wording requirements for a written statement that must be provided to tenants before signing a tenancy agreement.

This written statement will normally be included within the tenancy agreement itself, but landlords can also provide it separately if they choose.

The aim of the change is to ensure tenants receive clear, transparent information about their rights and responsibilities before moving into a rental property.

What information must be included in the new written statement?

For all new assured periodic tenancies starting from 1 May, landlords must include the following information.

Basic tenancy details

The written statement must include:

• The name of the landlord (including any joint landlords)

• The names of all tenants

• An address in England or Wales where notices can be served on the landlord

• The address of the property being rented

• The date the tenant can move into the property

• The rent amount and when it must be paid

Rent increases

The agreement must confirm that:

• Rent can only be increased through a Section 13 notice.

This ensures tenants are given proper notice before any rent increase takes place.

Utility and bill arrangements

Landlords must state whether the rent includes:

• Utilities

• Council tax

• Television licences

• Communication services such as broadband

If these are not included in the rent, the agreement must explain:

• How payments will be made

• When they are due

• Or how tenants will be notified.

Tenancy deposit information

If a deposit is taken, the agreement must confirm:

• The amount of the security deposit paid

The written statement does not need to specify which deposit protection scheme is used, but landlords must still comply with existing deposit protection rules.

Tenant notice period

The agreement must clearly state:

• The minimum notice period the tenant must give to end the tenancy

In most cases this will be two months, although shorter notice periods can be agreed if both parties wish.

How landlords can regain possession

The written statement must also explain that under the Housing Act 1988:

• A landlord will normally need a court order to end an assured tenancy.

• To obtain this, they must serve a Section 8 Notice outlining the legal grounds for possession.

• The notice period depends on the possession grounds being used.

This reflects the wider reforms expected under the Renters’ Rights Act aimed at improving tenant security.

Property safety and maintenance obligations

Landlords must confirm their legal responsibilities regarding property standards, including:

• Ensuring the property is fit for human habitation

• Maintenance obligations under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

• Compliance with Electrical Safety Regulations

• Compliance with Gas Safety Regulations (where gas is installed)

These obligations already exist but must now be clearly stated within tenancy documentation.

Accessibility rights for tenants

The written statement must also reference Section 190 of the Equality Act, which means:

• Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse adaptations requested by disabled tenants if they help them enjoy the property.

Tenant rights to request pets

Another key inclusion relates to pets.

The agreement must confirm that:

• Tenants may request permission to keep a pet.

• Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse consent.

This reflects growing government focus on pet-friendly renting.

Supported accommodation

If the property is classed as supported accommodation, the agreement must include:

• Confirmation of this status

• An explanation of why the property qualifies.

How should landlords provide this information?

For new tenancies starting on or after 1 May 2026, the easiest approach will be to:

• Use a new tenancy agreement template that already includes the required written statement.

Landlords should avoid using older tenancy templates, as these will not include the new legally required wording.

What happens if landlords fail to comply?

Failing to provide the required written statement will be considered a breach of the Renters’ Rights Act.

Local authorities will have the power to issue civil penalties, typically around £4,000, although higher fines may apply for repeated breaches.

For landlords in areas such as Flitwick, Ampthill and Barton-le-Clay, this will likely be enforced by Central Bedfordshire Council, which already regulates property standards and landlord compliance.

What about existing tenancies?

The new rules mainly apply to new tenancy agreements.

If a tenancy is already in writing, landlords do not need to issue a new tenancy agreement.

However, landlords will still need to:

• Provide tenants with a Government information sheet explaining the changes.

This document is expected to be published in March and must be served to existing tenants no later than 31 May 2026.

What this means for landlords in Flitwick, Ampthill and Barton-le-Clay

The private rental market in Mid Bedfordshire remains strong, particularly in commuter towns like Flitwick and Ampthill, where demand from London commuters and families remains high.

With increasing regulation in the sector, landlords should ensure:

• Tenancy agreements are fully compliant

• Documentation is updated before May

• Tenants receive clear written information about their rights

Working with an experienced local letting agent can help landlords stay compliant while ensuring their property continues to perform well in the market.

Need advice on letting your property?

At Love Homes, we help landlords across Flitwick, Ampthill, Barton-le-Clay and the surrounding MK45 area stay ahead of legislative changes while achieving the best results from their rental properties.

If you are planning to let a property or would like help updating your tenancy agreements, our team would be happy to help, book in a free meeting regarding your rental property - Free Rental Valuation

Frequently Asked Questions – Renters’ Rights Act for Landlords

When do the new tenancy agreement rules come into force?

The new written statement requirements under the Renters’ Rights Act will apply to all new assured periodic tenancies from 1 May 2026. Landlords must provide tenants with a written statement containing mandatory information before the tenancy agreement is signed.

Do landlords need to update existing tenancy agreements?

No. If a tenancy agreement is already in place and in writing, landlords do not need to issue a new tenancy agreement. However, the Government will publish an information sheet explaining the legislative changes, which must be provided to existing tenants by 31 May 2026.

What information must be included in the new tenancy agreement?

From May 2026, tenancy agreements must include key information such as:

• The names of the landlord and tenants

• The address of the rental property

• An address for serving notices to the landlord

• The rent amount and when it is due

• The tenant’s minimum notice period

• Whether utilities or council tax are included in the rent

• The amount of any tenancy deposit

• Statements outlining landlord responsibilities for property safety and repairs

These details form part of the mandatory written statement required by law.

Can landlords still increase the rent?

Yes. Rent increases are still allowed, but they must follow the correct legal process. The tenancy agreement must state that rent increases will normally be carried out using a Section 13 notice, which provides tenants with formal notice of any rent change.

What happens if landlords do not provide the written statement?

Failing to provide the required written statement will be considered a breach of the Renters’ Rights Act. Local authorities can issue civil penalties typically around £4,000, with potentially higher fines for repeat offences.

Can tenants request to keep pets?

Yes. Under the new rules tenants may formally request permission to keep a pet. Landlords must consider these requests and cannot unreasonably refuse consent.

What safety obligations must landlords confirm?

Tenancy agreements must confirm that landlords comply with existing safety legislation, including:

• Ensuring the property is fit for human habitation

• Maintenance obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

• Electrical safety regulations

• Gas safety regulations where applicable

These requirements already exist but must now be clearly stated within the tenancy documentation.

Does the Renters’ Rights Act affect landlords in Flitwick, Ampthill and Barton-le-Clay?

Yes. The legislation applies across England, so landlords letting property in Flitwick, Ampthill, Barton-le-Clay and the wider MK45 area will need to ensure their tenancy agreements comply with the new rules before May 2026.

Where can landlords get help updating tenancy agreements?

Working with an experienced local letting agent can ensure tenancy agreements remain compliant with current legislation. At Love Homes, we support landlords across Flitwick, Ampthill, Barton-le-Clay and Mid Bedfordshire, helping them navigate legislative changes and manage successful rental properties.