The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is now in force, and if you let a property in Milton Keynes, several deadlines have already passed — with more to come. This guide sets out the key changes, what you are required to do, and what happens if you do not act.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or regulated advice. If you are unsure how the legislation applies to your specific circumstances, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated letting agent.
The end of section 21 'no-fault' evictions
The most significant change is the abolition of section 21. Landlords can no longer end a tenancy simply by serving notice without giving a reason. Any tenancy you wish to end must now be pursued under section 8, which requires a valid legal ground — such as persistent rent arrears or the landlord genuinely wishing to sell or move back into the property.
For Milton Keynes landlords managing properties across areas like Campbell Park, Wolverton, or Bletchley, this means reviewing your tenancy management practices and ensuring any grounds for possession are properly documented before you act.
Tenancy types: what changed on 1 May 2026
As of 1 May 2026, all assured shorthold tenancies — both new and existing — automatically transitioned to assured periodic tenancies. There are no longer fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies for new lettings. If you have recently let a property in Milton Keynes, your tenancy agreement should reflect this change.
For tenancies starting on or after 1 May 2026, you must also provide tenants with specific written information at the outset, including your contact details, the agreed rent amount, and repair responsibilities. This requirement is set out in the Renters' Rights Act: an overview for landlords on GOV.UK.
The Information Sheet deadline
Landlords were required to provide all tenants with the official Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026, as set out in The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 | GOV.UK. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £7,000.
If you have not yet provided this to your tenants, you should do so immediately and keep a record that it was delivered.
Pet requests and rent in advance
Two further changes affect how you manage prospective and existing tenants:
- Pet requests: Tenants now have the right to request permission to keep a pet. You must consider each request fairly and provide written reasons if you refuse. Blanket 'no pets' policies are no longer sufficient.
- Rent in advance: You are prohibited from requesting more than one month's rent in advance. Asking for multiple months upfront — sometimes used to offset referencing concerns — is no longer permitted.
Council Tax responsibilities
Under the new rules, tenants remain liable for Council Tax until the end of their notice period, even if they vacate the property earlier. Once there is no tenant in occupation, the liability shifts to you as the landlord for as long as the property sits empty. Milton Keynes City Council sets out these responsibilities clearly in its guidance on Responsibility for Council Tax | Milton Keynes City Council.
This is worth factoring into your void period calculations, particularly if you manage properties in higher-demand areas where re-letting times vary.
Private Rented Database: coming December 2026
A mandatory Private Rented Database is scheduled to begin a regional rollout on 15 December 2026. This will require landlords to register their properties and will give local councils, including Milton Keynes City Council, improved oversight of the private rented sector. Further detail is expected from GOV.UK's Private landlords guidance ahead of that date.
Registering on time is likely to be a legal requirement, so it is worth monitoring the rollout schedule as December approaches.
A practical checklist for Milton Keynes landlords
- Confirm you have provided the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet to all tenants
- Update tenancy agreements to reflect assured periodic tenancy terms
- Ensure written information (contact details, rent, repairs) is provided at the start of any new tenancy
- Review your process for handling pet requests and document decisions in writing
- Stop requesting more than one month's rent in advance
- Begin preparing for Private Rented Database registration ahead of December 2026
- Seek legal advice before serving any notice to end a tenancy
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