Sefton Council is urging private landlords across the borough to prepare now for significant new legal responsibilities coming into force under the Renters’ Rights Act.

New rules

From Friday 1st May 2026 the reforms will mean a new tenancy system, including the end of Section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions. There will also be new rules which aim to stop rental bidding, rental discrimination and requirements for rent in advance. 

All landlords in Sefton are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the official government guidance. This will help ensure their current and future tenancies meet the new legislation’s requirements. 

You can download the Government's leaflet for Landlords here.

From start of May

From the start of May, landlords need to: 

• Provide the official government Information Sheet to tenants with written agreements that began before 1 May 2026, no later than 31 May 2026. 

• Provide tenants who have verbal-only agreements with a written record of the tenancy terms by the same date. 

• Update tenancy agreements for all new tenancies starting on or after 1 May 2026, ensuring required written information is included. 

• Review rent‑increase processes and advertising practices. From May 2026, property ads must display a fixed asking price, and landlords cannot accept offers above it. 

• Remove any clauses restricting tenants with children or those receiving benefits, as these will be legally invalid under the new rules. 

You can find the full Landlord's Checklist here.

Landlords who fail to meet the new requirements may face financial penalties of up to £7,000 or £40,000, depending on the breach, or prosecution resulting in unlimited fines. They may also be subject to Rent Repayment Orders of up to two years’ rent.

Avoidable penalties 

Lee Payne, Sefton Council's Housing Service Manager, said: “These reforms represent the biggest change to renting in decades, so we’re urging all landlords in Sefton to act now to ensure they are fully compliant before the May 2026 deadline and prevent them from facing avoidable penalties.” 

“At Sefton Council, our housing team is always keen to work with responsible landlords to provide support and advice and landlords can stay updated on this national change in legislation by visiting www.gov.uk/rentingischanging.”