Stage 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which comes into force on 1 May 2026, will bring many changes to the Private Rented Sector.
As discussed in my post here it will also alter the balance of power between the landlord and the tenant, in particular while the tenancy is ongoing.
So landlords need to do as much as they can to protect their position.
One way to do this is via clauses in your tenancy agreement. So it is really important that you choose a good tenancy agreement.
Another thing you can do, to make things easier both for yourself and also for your tenants during the tenancy, is to include clear ‘procedures’ in your tenancy agreement for tenants to follow in specific circumstances.
Procedures
So what sort of procedures am I talking about? Consider the following:
A procedure for tenants to follow if they want to keep a pet
To start with, the very fact that you have such a procedure will make tenants aware that they need to ask your permission first before bringing a pet into the property. Some tenants may not realise this.
The Renters Rights Act is very clear that tenants should apply in writing, and provide a description of the proposed pet. The act also anticipates that you may want to ask them to provide further information and allows extra time for you to do this.
However, if you have a procedure for them to follow, along with a form for them to complete with all the information you need to know about the pet, then this makes things a lot clearer and easier for both you and your tenants.
Your procedure can also set out the time limits under the Act, so everyone knows what these are.
A repairs procedure
This can set out a procedure for tenants to follow if they wish to report a repairs issue. Together with a form for tenants to complete with information about the issue they are reporting.
This will prompt tenants to provide information you need that they may not otherwise think to provide. Such as whether this has happened before and, if so, when. It will also prompt them to provide photographs and perhaps a video of the problem.
This will make it much easier for you to assess the problem from the start to allow you to deal with it more effectively.
A rent arrears procedure
Tenants failing to pay rent is one of the biggest problems that landlords experience.
Having a procedure for tenants to follow if they find they are unable to afford to pay will encourage them to keep you informed.
Particularly if you make the procedure tenant-friendly by making it clear that you will want to help them in this situation.
If you and the tenant can work together to make things easier for them, perhaps by changing the date the rent is paid or applying for a Local Authority or other grant, then this may enable them to remain in the property long term.
Which is generally better for everyone.
A tenant Notice to Quit procedure
Once stage 1 of the Renters Rights Act comes into force on 1 May 2026, all tenants will be able to serve a two-month Notice to Quit to end their tenancy if they want to leave.
As discussed in our post here this may not necessarily be a bad thing. Particularly if you are unhappy with the tenants and would like them to leave anyway!
Setting out a procedure for them to follow if they want to end their tenancy will at least mean that they let you know. Rather than just disappearing.
You can also provide a draft Notice to Quit form for them to use.
The Act prohibits landlords from requiring tenants to use a prescribed form of Notice to Quit. However, there is nothing to prevent you from providing a form they can use if they want to. So long as the fact that its use is optional is made clear in your guidance.
The effect of incorporating procedures into your tenancy agreement
If procedures are incorporated into your tenancy agreement, then by signing the tenancy agreement (particularly if it is signed as a deed), your tenants will be contractually bound by them.
This means that if they fail to follow the procedures you have provided for them, this will work in your favour should the matter be in issue. Such as during mediation or in court proceedings.
For example, if they completely ignore your procedure and just bring unsuitable animals into the property, the fact that they ignored a contractual procedure in your tenancy agreement will help you if you decide to evict them on this basis.
Having procedures is just one way landlords can exercise a bit more control over things during the life of a tenancy. However, if you want to include them, they must be part of your tenancy agreement from the start.
Note that we have a set of procedures for landlords to use on Landlord Law. Find out more about them here.
An important point for landlords at any level. Having structured procedures in place can make a real difference in handling situations consistently and fairly.
Very helpful post! Including clear procedures in a tenancy agreement can prevent misunderstandings and make things smoother for both landlords and tenants. It’s a smart way to set expectations and avoid disputes later. Thanks for sharing these practical tips!