The Renters’ Rights Act: What Farmers and Rural Landlords Need to Know
Tue 28 Apr 2026
The biggest shake-up to residential renting in over 30 years comes into force this week and here's what it means for you...
If you let out farm cottages, staff accommodation, or any residential property, the Renters’ Rights Act is now law and it's not a small tweak. Coming into force on 1st May 2026, it represents the most significant change to residential renting in England for more than three decades. For farmers who have historically taken an informal approach to housing arrangements, the time to act is now.
Important: agricultural tenancies such as Farm Business Tenancies are governed under their own separate rules and are not affected by this Act. These changes apply to residential homes — farm cottages, let houses and staff accommodation.
The end of "no fault" evictions
The single biggest change is the abolition of Section 21, the so-called "no fault" eviction notice that most landlords will be familiar with. From 1st May, landlords can no longer serve one of these notices to reclaim a property without providing a legal reason.
Instead, if you need a property back - whether to sell it, to house a close family member, or to accommodate the next worker, you'll need to follow a reasons-based legal route, with the correct paperwork and process. If a tenant doesn't leave voluntarily, that could mean a court process. Getting those steps right from the outset matters.
Extra considerations for farm worker housing
Accommodation linked to agricultural work can carry additional protections for occupants, depending on the arrangement in place. For farmers, this makes the way tenancies are set up, and what's in writing, more important than ever. If you know you'll need a cottage back for the next employee, the legal framework you use and the documentation you hold could be the difference between a straightforward handover and a protracted dispute.
Formalise your arrangements now
Many farms have historic informal housing arrangements - the "we've always let them live there" situation. If that describes any of your properties, now is the time to formalise things properly. The new rules place greater weight than ever on what's in writing, and the official forms and wording used. Using the wrong form or process can derail a possession notice or a rent increase entirely.
New paperwork requirements and a deadline
There are specific administrative requirements during the changeover period. Landlords and managing agents must provide relevant tenants with an official Renters’ Rights Act information sheet. This needs to be served by 31st May 2026. Industry guidance warns of fines of up to £7,000 for failing to provide it correctly.
1 May 2026
Act comes into force. Section 21 no longer available.
31 May 2026
Deadline to serve official information sheet to existing tenants.
Up to £7,000
Potential fine for failing to provide the information sheet correctly.
What should landlords do right now?
Start with a straightforward review. Look at what you rent out, who is living there and what paperwork you currently hold. If anything is informal or undocumented, get it formalised. If you're unsure about any arrangement - particularly worker housing - take early advice before the 1st May deadline passes.
The Act itself runs to around 270 pages. The compliance burden is real and mistakes can be expensive, even when made in good faith. The safest approach is to have the right systems and knowledgeable people in place, so nothing is missed.
At Masons Rural we have Masons Lettings & Property Management Team inhouse and Wendy and Robin are here to help. Whether you have a single cottage or a wider property portfolio, our job is to take the compliance burden off landlords, keep the right documents in place and make sure processes are followed correctly.
To speak to our team about your rental arrangements, give Wendy Taylor or Robin Nicholson a call on 01507 350500 Option 2