"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"
- Jeremy Robinson - Housing Hand
UK rental services provider Housing Hand is urging accommodation providers to consider the opportunities arising from the Renters’ Rights Act.
Initial measures take effect from 1 May 2026, requiring updated tenancy agreements for all new tenancies. From this date, landlords cannot request more than one month’s rent in advance, must adhere to the advertised rent, and cannot discriminate against families with children or benefit claimants. They are also required to properly consider all pet requests.
For existing tenancies, landlords will need to provide a new ‘Information Sheet’ to tenants, follow revised processes for rent increases, and use Section 8 for evictions instead of Section 21. A second wave of measures will be introduced later in 2026.
Graham Hayward, managing director, said, "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."
The firm plans to launch a suite of services in 2026 to help accommodation providers pursue these opportunities while guiding renters on their rights across different property types.
One key change will require providers to update leasing documents to align with the new model of renting. Housing Hand will assist providers in protecting rental income during this transition, with its guarantor services designed to give both renters and landlords peace of mind. A new guarantor product, building on existing offerings, will launch early in 2026.
James Maguire, sales and business development director, said: "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."
This follows Housing Hand’s launch of the A-Void™ product earlier this year, which covers up to three months of void periods at 50% of guaranteed rent for landlords renting to tenants using Housing Hand as guarantor and who have served a Ground 4a notice. The solution is designed to help providers maintain rental availability for students amid changing tenancy requirements.
For renters, Housing Hand will offer independent advice on Build to Rent homes, purpose-built student accommodation, houses in multiple occupation, university halls, and other property types. This complements its digital health and wellbeing service, freely available to renters using Housing Hand as a guarantor, which includes guidance and access to physical and mental health services. The firm will also support agents assisting international students in navigating the updated rental landscape.
Jeremy Robinson, group founder and CEO, said, "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."
