Blog by PCB Solicitors

The private rented sector is changing significantly with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act2026. For landlords in Shropshire, Telford and the surrounding areas, these reforms bring new legal obligations and practical considerations.

One key requirement is the introduction of a mandatory government information sheet, which landlords must provide to tenants.

This guide explains what the changes mean, what you need to do, and how to stay compliant.

What is the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet?

The official guidance published by UK Government introduces a standardised document that landlords must give to tenants explaining their rights under the new law. You can download the Information Sheet here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-renters-rights-act-information-sheet-2026

The aim is to:

• ensure tenants clearly understand their rights
• create consistency across the rental sector
• improve transparency between landlords and tenants

What Landlords in Shropshire Must Do

If you are a landlord in Shrewsbury, Telford, Ludlow, Oswestry, you must:

• Provide the information sheet to all existing tenants by 31st May 2026
• Give it to new tenants at the start of every tenancy
• Ensure it is served correctly (email or hard copy)

Failure to comply may result in financial penalties and could affect your ability to rely on certain possession grounds. You must give this Information Sheet by 31 May 2026, or you could be fined up to £7,000.

Key Changes Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2026

Abolition of Section 21 “No-Fault” Evictions

Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a legal reason. All possession claims must now rely on statutory grounds.

Periodic Tenancies Become Standard

Fixed-term tenancies will largely be replaced with rolling periodic tenancies, giving tenants greater flexibility.

Restrictions on Rent Increases

• Rent increases limited to once per year
• Minimum two months’ notice required
• Tenants can challenge increases via tribunal

Limits on Rent in Advance

Landlords will only be able to request one month’s rent in advance, impacting upfront payment practices.

Stronger Tenant Protections

Tenants will benefit from:

• Greater security of tenure
• Protection from unfair refusal (e.g. families or benefits)
• Rights to request pets (subject to reasonable conditions)

Why This Matters for Shropshire Landlords

The Shropshire rental market includes a mix of:

• rural and semi-rural lettings
• professional tenants commuting to Telford and Birmingham
• long-term family tenancies

These reforms are likely to:

• increase administrative compliance requirements
• reduce flexibility in recovering possession
• require more careful tenancy management and documentation

Early preparation will be key to avoiding disputes or penalties.

Practical Steps You Should Take Now

To stay compliant and protect your position, landlords should:

• Download and retain the correct government information sheet
• Update tenancy onboarding processes
• Review existing tenancy agreements
• Ensure proper record-keeping of service
• Seek legal advice on complex tenancy arrangements

FAQ for Landlords in Shropshire

Do I have to give the information sheet to existing tenants?

Yes. All existing tenants must receive it by 31 May 2026, even if their tenancy began before the Act came into force.

What happens if I don’t provide the information sheet?

You may face financial penalties and could encounter difficulties enforcing your rights as a landlord, particularly in possession proceedings.

Can I still evict a tenant?

Yes, but only using valid legal grounds. The removal of Section 21 means you must rely on specific statutory reasons (e.g. rent arrears or sale of the property).

Can I still increase the rent?

Yes, but:

• only once per year,
• with at least two months’ notice, and
• tenants have the right to challenge increases .

What if my tenancy is only agreed verbally?

You must provide a written statement of key terms instead. You cannot rely on informal arrangements alone.

Can I ask for several months’ rent upfront?

No. The Act limits rent in advance to one month, which may require changes to your current practices.

Do these changes apply to all landlords?

The reforms apply to most private residential tenancies in England. However, there may be limited exceptions depending on the type of tenancy.

How These Changes Affect Letting in Shropshire

For many landlords locally, the key impact will not be the law itself, but how it is implemented in practice.

Common risk areas include:

• failing to serve required documents;
• outdated tenancy agreements;
• misunderstanding new possession grounds; or
• informal tenancy arrangements.

Addressing these early can prevent costly disputes later.

How We Can Help

At PCB Solicitors, we regularly advise landlords across Shropshire and Telford on:

• tenancy agreements and compliance
• possession claims and eviction strategies
• responding to disputes with tenants
• adapting to legislative change

If you would like advice on how the Renters’ Rights Act affects your properties, please contact our team on 01743 598044.