Housing law: housing agricultural workers in England – the law from 1st May 2026

Land

Housing law has changed. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA) gained Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. With effect from 1 May 2026:

  • Landlords’ duties begin much earlier in the process, and before a tenancy is agreed
  • It will not be possible to set up a new Assured Shorthold Tenancy
  • All existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies will automatically convert to Assured Periodic Tenancies
  • It will not be possible to serve a ‘no-fault’ section 21 notice to terminate a housing tenancy

Except where otherwise indicated, this guide deals with the law as it will be from 1 May 2026.  Members wanting to know more about the changes should contact CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.

This business guide explains how landlords can provide housing for agricultural workers, in particular the types of agricultural housing tenancies that exist, and what rights they confer on the tenants.

Please note that this guide relates to tenancies of properties situated in England only.

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