Renters Rights Act: Updated Guidance on Serving Notice Before May 1

The government has released updated guidance for landlords regarding the correct procedure for serving notice to private tenants ahead of May 1, when significant provisions of the Renters Rights Act (RRA) come into force.

May 1 marks a key transition date, as much of the new legislation will begin to apply from this point. As a result, landlords who are considering serving notice to regain possession of their property must ensure they follow the correct process and timelines.

The latest revisions to the guidance focus specifically on tenancy deposits. These updates clarify landlords’ responsibilities and highlight the importance of full compliance with deposit protection rules before issuing a possession notice. Failure to meet deposit requirements could result in a notice being deemed invalid.

According to the government, landlords must take particular care when serving notice before May 1. If a possession notice is issued on or after that date, it will fall under the new possession framework introduced by the Renters Rights Act. This means different rules and procedures may apply, potentially affecting timescales and legal grounds for possession.

For landlords who intend to proceed under the current system, it is essential that notice is correctly served before the deadline and that all legal obligations — especially those relating to deposit protection — are properly fulfilled.

The updated guidance, including detailed information on the recent deposit changes, is now available for review. Landlords are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the new requirements to avoid delays, disputes, or invalid notices during this transition period.