Renters’ Rights Act in Practice: Possession, Rent, Tenancy Documentation and Transitional Problems

The Renters’ Rights Act represents a major change to the way private residential tenancies are created, managed and brought to an end.

For landlords and those advising them, the challenge is not simply understanding the new statutory framework. It is working out how the new regime operates in day-to-day practice — particularly where existing tenancies, older documentation and established procedures have to be adapted.

Possession procedure will change significantly following the abolition of Section 21. The new periodic tenancy regime will affect the way tenancies are documented and managed. Rent increases, rent in advance, rental bidding, repairs, property condition, enforcement and information requirements will all need to be considered against the new framework.

There will also be important transitional questions.

What happens to existing tenancy agreements? Which parts of older documentation can still be relied upon? What information must now be given to tenants? How should possession cases be approached where the tenancy began under the previous regime? And what should landlords, agents and advisers be doing now to reduce the risk of problems later?

This practical live online course presented by David Smith, partner in Bishop & Sewell, who will examine the Renters’ Rights Act from the perspective of those who will have to apply it in real cases.

The emphasis will be on possession, rent, tenancy documentation, compliance and the transitional problems likely to arise as the new regime beds in.

Using practical examples throughout, the course will help delegates understand not only what the new rules say, but how they are likely to affect the management of private rented property in practice.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Residential property solicitors
• Landlord and tenant lawyers
• Housing lawyers
• Property litigators
• Letting and managing agents
• Landlords and property managers
• In-house property teams
• Local authority officers
• Other professionals advising on private residential tenancies

Topics Covered

• Possession after the abolition of Section 21
• The new periodic tenancy regime
• Rent increases under the new regime
• Tenancy agreements, written terms and information requirements
• Transitional problems and existing tenancy documentation
• Rent in advance, rental bidding and prohibited letting practices
• Repairs, hazards and property condition under the new regime
• Enforcement, penalties and rent repayment orders
• The Private Rented Sector database

The course will consider how these areas interact and where particular practical difficulties are likely to arise for landlords, agents and advisers.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, delegates will be better able to:

• Understand the new framework for possession following the abolition of Section 21
• Advise on the operation of the new periodic tenancy regime
• Understand the new approach to rent increases
• Review tenancy agreements and documentation for compliance with the new regime
• Identify transitional issues affecting existing tenancies and older documentation
• Advise on rent in advance, rental bidding and prohibited letting practices
• Understand the strengthened requirements relating to repairs, hazards and property condition
• Recognise the principal enforcement risks, penalties and potential rent repayment order exposure
• Understand the role of the Private Rented Sector database
• Identify practical steps landlords, agents and advisers should take when moving from the old regime to the new one

Price and Booking

Price: £199 + VAT per organisation.

This is a per-organisation price, allowing up to an additional 10 colleagues to attend at no additional charge, wherever they are located.

For organisations with four or fewer partners, a single delegate place is available for £99 + VAT.

All delegates receive:

• Full recording of the session
• Downloadable slides and/or Full course materials
• Certificate of attendance (on request)

To book, simply click the booking button at the top right of this page.

Presented by David Smith, partner in Bishop & Sewell's Landlord & Tenant team. David specialises in property litigation, property regulation and data protection, with particular expertise in residential tenancies and agency work. His practice focuses on advising on new legislation and regulatory obligations, as well as deploying creative legal strategies to resolve complex client issues. Drawing on his extensive experience in residential landlord and tenant law, David has developed a collection of practical resources covering compliance, possession and the impact of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

Important Notes about Booking

1. If you don't have the complete list of who will be attending you can book for those that you know will be attending and add the others at a later date.

2. Payment can be made by credit or debit card or alternatively by invoice. The option to pay by invoice is below the pay by card option in the booking form.

3. If you have more than 20 delegates, then extra delegates are £20 each.

4. If you are booking for other people please make 100% sure their email addresses are correct. If they are not correct then they will not receive joining instructions.


The Legal Training Consultancy

The Legal Training Consultancy is a full-service training consultancy with a large portfolio of conferences, courses and trainers. Over the years we have been responsible for putting together a vast number of law and tax related conferences, webinars, seminars, videos and e-learning modules. Altogether more than 2200.