Empowering communities on the Renters’ Rights Act

In March 2026, our Haringey Advice Partnership team delivered two advice events to help people prepare for the new Renters’ Rights Act, ensuring residents, community organisations, landlords and letting agents understand what’s changing and where to get support. 

The first session, hosted by Haringey Council at Alexander House in Wood Green, brought together voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations alongside local residents. A second session was held online specifically for landlords and letting agents. 

Both events focused on the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which came into force on 1 May 2026 and represents one of the most significant reforms to England’s private rented sector in decades. To help people take action early, the sessions broke down the changes that matter most and what to do next, including: 

• The abolition of Section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions 

• The shift to periodic tenancies 

• The introduction of the ‘Decent Homes Standard’ for the private rented sector 

• Key implementation dates and what to expect during the transition 

Supporting frontline organisations and residents 

The in-person advice day was designed to equip frontline staff with the confidence and knowledge to start conversations with residents, share clear and accurate information, and signpost people to support as early as possible. Community and VCS groups play a vital role in raising awareness of housing rights and helping people navigate complex issues so it’s important that they are informed with the knowledge required. 

The dedicated session for landlords and letting agents focused on what the changes mean in practice and what needs to happen before implementation. Attendees were encouraged to review tenancy processes, paperwork and communication plans now, and to seek guidance early where there are questions about compliance and best practice. 

Collaboration and engagement 

The events were planned and delivered in partnership with Grace Annesley, Project Manager for Environment and Resident Experience, and Lynn Stratton, Tenants and Leaseholders Communications Manager. Promotion included features in the Members’ e‑bulletin, articles in Homes Zone magazine, and outreach through Haringey Council’s website and social media channels. 

Positive feedback and next steps 

Feedback from attendees was extremely positive, with one participant describing the session as “a fantastic, informative, and well-presented event.”  

The Haringey Advice Partnership is encouraging organisations and residents across the borough to help keep this message moving by watching the recording, sharing the key points, and encouraging anyone affected to seek advice early. A follow-up advice session is planned for September, and networks are encouraged to share the date widely so that more residents and organisations can attend. 

The Partnership is asking stakeholders to: 

• Share the recording with colleagues, clients, tenants, and community groups

• Use the session takeaways in newsletters, briefings, and advice appointments to raise awareness

• Encourage residents to seek support early if they are worried about eviction, rent increases, disrepair, or changes to their tenancy

• Complete a readiness check for 1 May 2026 and identify any policies or templates that may need updating (landlords and agents)

• Look out for September’s follow-up session and share the invitation with relevant networks