Gateshead landlords urged to make sure they are following new renting laws
We are urging private landlords to make sure they understand and follow major new legal changes affecting the private rented sector.
The first phase of the government's Renters' Rights Act reforms came into force on 1 May 2026, introducing new rights and responsibilities for landlords, letting agents and tenants across England.
The changes include the end of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, the banning of time specific tenancies, restrictions on rental bidding, and new rules to prevent discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits.
Landlords are being reminded that they must now make sure their tenancy agreements, rent processes and property adverts comply with the new legislation.
Samantha Allcott, Strategic Director for Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities at Gateshead Council, said:
"These are major changes for the private rented sector, and it is important that landlords understand their responsibilities under the new law.
"We would encourage landlords to read the latest guidance and make sure they are following the rules to avoid possible penalties or enforcement action."
The council is also reminding landlords about the legal requirement to provide tenants with the government's official Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet.
The Information Sheet explains how the new law affects tenants, including changes to tenancy agreements, rent increases, eviction rules, rental bidding, discrimination protections and rights relating to pets.
Landlords or letting agents must provide the government-produced PDF document to all tenants named on an existing tenancy agreement created before 1 May, by Sunday 31 May 2026.
The government has confirmed that landlords must provide the actual PDF document either as a printed copy or as an email attachment. Sending tenants a web link on its own is not enough.
The council is warning that landlords who fail to provide the Information Sheet by the deadline could face financial penalties of up to £7,000. More serious breaches of the legislation could result in penalties of up to £40,000, prosecution through the courts, or Rent Repayment Orders requiring landlords to repay up to two years' rent.
Further guidance, including on the official Information Sheet, is available at www.gov.uk/rentingischanging.
We are urging private landlords to make sure they understand and follow major new legal changes affecting the private rented sector.
The first phase of the government's Renters' Rights Act reforms came into force on 1 May 2026, introducing new rights and responsibilities for landlords, letting agents and tenants across England.
The changes include the end of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, the banning of time specific tenancies, restrictions on rental bidding, and new rules to prevent discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits.
Landlords are being reminded that they must now make sure their tenancy agreements, rent processes and property adverts comply with the new legislation.
Samantha Allcott, Strategic Director for Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities at Gateshead Council, said:
"These are major changes for the private rented sector, and it is important that landlords understand their responsibilities under the new law.
"We would encourage landlords to read the latest guidance and make sure they are following the rules to avoid possible penalties or enforcement action."
The council is also reminding landlords about the legal requirement to provide tenants with the government's official Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet.
The Information Sheet explains how the new law affects tenants, including changes to tenancy agreements, rent increases, eviction rules, rental bidding, discrimination protections and rights relating to pets.
Landlords or letting agents must provide the government-produced PDF document to all tenants named on an existing tenancy agreement created before 1 May, by Sunday 31 May 2026.
The government has confirmed that landlords must provide the actual PDF document either as a printed copy or as an email attachment. Sending tenants a web link on its own is not enough.
The council is warning that landlords who fail to provide the Information Sheet by the deadline could face financial penalties of up to £7,000. More serious breaches of the legislation could result in penalties of up to £40,000, prosecution through the courts, or Rent Repayment Orders requiring landlords to repay up to two years' rent.
Further guidance, including on the official Information Sheet, is available at www.gov.uk/rentingischanging.
