1^st May is approaching fast.  When the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, it will mark the biggest shake-up of the private rented sector in a generation.

To help landlords stay ahead of the changes (and avoid last-minute panic), we’ve broken the countdown into weeks and practical actions you should be taking now.

Think of this as your calm, structured runway to compliance.

⏳ 8 Weeks to Go (56 days) – Get Clear on What’s Changing

Your focus this week: Understanding impact, not headlines.

What to do:

• Familiarise yourself with the end of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions
• Understand the move to periodic tenancies
• Review how new possession grounds will work under Section 8
• Speak to your letting agent about how the Act affects your specific portfolio
• Watch Boydens webinars all about the Renters’ Rights Act.  Search “Boydens TV” on Youtube

👉 Why this matters:
Landlords who understand the detail early make better decisions later.

⏳ 7 Weeks to Go (49 days) – Review Your Current Tenancies

Your focus this week: Know what you’re dealing with.

What to do:

• List all current tenancies (start dates, fixed terms, rent levels)
• Identify tenants you may need to regain possession from in the near future
• Flag any historic issues (arrears, breaches, anti-social behaviour)

👉 Why this matters:
Your options change significantly after 1 May.

⏳ 6 Weeks to Go (42 days) – Decide If Section 21 May Still Be Needed

Your focus this week: Strategic decision-making.

What to do:

• Take professional advice on whether a Section 21 notice is appropriate
• Ensure all compliance is in place (EPC, Gas Safety, How to Rent, deposit rules)
• Begin preparation early if possession may be required

⚠️ Important:
Section 21 notices can only be issued up to 30 April.  After that date, they will no longer be available for use.  It is important to note if you are posting your notice you need to allow another couple of working days for service of notice.

⏳ 5 Weeks to Go (35 days) – Check Property Standards

Your focus this week: Condition and compliance.

What to do:

• Arrange inspections on older or long-held properties
• Address maintenance issues that could cause disputes later
• Prepare for the new Decent Homes Standard expectations

👉 Why this matters:
Stronger tenant rights mean property condition matters more than ever.

⏳ 4 Weeks to Go (28 days) – Review Rent & Financial Planning

Your focus this week: Future-proofing income.

What to do:

• Understand how rent increases will work under periodic tenancies
• Review affordability and market rents
• Stress-test your finances against longer possession timelines

👉 Why this matters:
Rent strategy needs to be fair, lawful, and sustainable.

⏳ 3 Weeks to Go (21 days) – Update Your Processes

Your focus this week: How you manage, not just what you own.

What to do:

• Adjust internal systems for periodic tenancies
• Ensure record-keeping is watertight
• If self-managing, consider whether professional management now makes sense

👉 Why this matters:
The Act rewards good landlords with good systems.

⏳ 2 Weeks to Go (14 days) – Final Section 21 Window

Your focus this week: Last-chance decisions.

What to do:

• If issuing a Section 21, ensure it is served correctly and in time
• Confirm all documents and notice periods are compliant
• Take advice, mistakes cannot be corrected later

📌 Key date reminder:
30 April is the final day a Section 21 notice can be issued (ensuring you allow service of notice time).

⏳ 1 Week to Go (7 days) – Ready for Day One

Your focus this week: Confidence and clarity.

What to do:

• Ensure all tenancies are compliant going forward
• Brief tenants clearly and professionally if needed
• Know who to contact if issues arise after 1 May

👉 Why this matters:
Prepared landlords will feel the change far less than unprepared ones.

✅ 1 May – The Renters’ Rights Act Is Live

From today:

• Section 21 is abolished
• All new tenancies are periodic
• Possession relies on lawful, evidenced grounds
• Good management becomes more valuable than ever

How Boydens Can Help

At Boydens, we’ve been preparing for these changes for the last two and a half years, advising landlords, reviewing portfolios, and adapting our processes so our clients stay protected.

Whether you need:

• Advice on issuing (or not issuing) a Section 21
• Help navigating possession under the new rules
• Full management in a more regulated landscape

📞 Speak to your local Boydens team today – we’re here to make this transition calm, compliant, and commercially sensible.