How does the Renters' Rights Act affect my buy-to-let?

It changes how you run the tenancy. Since the Act came into force on 1 May 2026, Section 21 no-fault eviction has been abolished and fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies have been replaced by assured periodic tenancies, so to regain possession to sell or move back in you now rely on the relevant statutory ground and notice. Rent can be increased once a year through the statutory process rather than by agreement in the tenancy. August keeps your tenancy documents, notices and correspondence timestamped and on record, which is what protects you if a decision is ever challenged.