Renters' Rights Act 2025 — Phase 1 commencement
Transition readiness pack
LetSafe UK

England · Private rented sector

Landlord templates — Reading

Tenancy agreements, notices, and compliance documents for Reading landlords. All documents updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025, effective 1 May 2026.

14-day money back Lifetime re-download 2026 compliant or refunded

Private rented households

~32,000

Average monthly rent (1-bed)

~£1,100

Commute to London Paddington

~27 minutes

Reading rental market — what landlords need to know

Reading has one of the strongest buy-to-let markets in southern England outside London, with high demand from commuters (30 minutes to Paddington on the Elizabeth line), a large university, and major tech employers.

Licensing requirements in Reading

Additional licensing active

Reading Borough Council operates additional HMO licensing for properties with 3 or more occupants. Check the Reading licensing register before letting any shared property.

What changes for Reading landlords on 1 May 2026

  • Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions permanently abolished — use Section 8
  • All new tenancies must use Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreements — no more ASTs
  • Rent increases via Section 13 only — contractual review clauses unenforceable
  • Pet requests must be considered — blanket ‘no pets’ policies are unlawful
  • Private landlord database registration coming — date TBC

Reading landlord FAQs

Do Reading buy-to-let properties need a licence?

Standard single-household properties in Reading generally do not need an additional licence unless they are HMOs. Reading Borough Council operates additional HMO licensing for properties with 3 or more occupants from 2+ households. Check the Reading licensing portal for your specific property.

Does the Renters' Rights Act affect Reading landlords?

Yes. Reading is in England and all Renters' Rights Act 2025 provisions apply from 1 May 2026 — including abolition of Section 21, mandatory Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreements for new lettings, and the Section 13 rent increase regime. The Information Sheet must be served on existing tenants by 31 May 2026.