Understanding the 2026 Renters’ Rights Act: What it Means for Corporate Tenancies

The UK rental landscape has just undergone its most significant transformation in a generation. As of 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act is officially in force, fundamentally changing how properties are let, managed, and vacated across England – and that means corporate tenancies too.

For HR managers and project leads, this isn’t just a “landlord issue”—it directly affects how you house your workforce. The traditional Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is gone, replaced by a new system that prioritises tenant security.

Let Housd summarise whats going on for you. If you are currently managing staff housing or planning a 2026 project, here is exactly what the new law means for your corporate tenancies.

1. The Death of the “Fixed Term”

Perhaps the biggest shift is the total abolition of fixed-term tenancies. All residential tenancies have now converted to rolling periodic tenancies from day one.

• The Impact: You can no longer sign a “6-month contract” to perfectly align with a project timeline.
• The New Reality: Tenants (including your employees) can now provide two months’ notice to leave at any time, even in the first month. Conversely, landlords have much tighter restrictions on when they can ask a tenant to leave.

2. No More “No-Fault” Evictions

The infamous Section 21 has been scrapped. A landlord can no longer simply ask for their property back because a corporate contract has ended.

• The New Ground: Landlords must now use an updated Section 8 process, citing specific grounds such as a desire to sell the property or move back in.
• The 12-Month Rule: Landlords are generally prohibited from using the “selling” or “moving in” grounds during the first 12 months of a new tenancy, providing more stability for your long-term project teams.

3. Rent Caps and Bidding Bans

The Act has introduced strict measures to cool the “bidding wars” that plagued the market in 2024 and 2025.

• Bidding Wars are Illegal: Landlords and agents are now banned from accepting or encouraging offers above the advertised price. This is great news for corporate budgets, as it brings much-needed price transparency.
• Annual Increases Only: Rent can now only be increased once per year via a formal Section 13 notice. This makes multi-year project budgeting significantly more predictable.

4. Digital Transparency: The PRS Database

By late 2026, the government will launch the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database. Every landlord and property must be registered.

• Compliance Check: HR teams can now use this database to verify that a landlord is compliant before placing staff. If a property isn’t on the database, the landlord is legally barred from using many possession grounds—offering an extra layer of protection for your employees.

Does this apply to “Company Lets”?

This is a crucial distinction. In strictly legal terms, a tenancy granted to a limited company (a Company Let) often sits outside the “Assured Tenancy” regime and is governed by common law.

However, many landlords are now wary of Company Lets because of the potential for “misleading actions” under consumer protection laws. If the occupier is an individual using the property as their primary home, the courts are increasingly likely to view them as having the protections of the Renters’ Rights Act.

How Housd Protects Your Business in 2026

Navigating the Renters’ Rights Act while trying to maintain the flexibility needed for a 4-month or 8-month project is a complex balancing act.

At Housd, we have adapted our model to ensure that:

1. Compliance is Guaranteed: We only work with properties that meet the new Decent Homes Standard and are correctly registered.
2. Flexibility is Built-In: We handle the “notice period” logistics so your project timelines don’t clash with the new 2-month rolling rules.
3. One Price, No Bidding: We secure fair market rates without the stress of illegal bidding wars.

The 2026 rental market is safer for tenants, but more complex for businesses. Let us handle the legislation while you handle the project.

If you are looking for corporate tenancies for your team an avoid any and all stress, contact us today!