Landlord news

Stay up to date with the latest changes affecting Landlords across England and the wider UK. With major reforms coming into force from 1 May 2026, this year marks one of the most significant shifts in the private rented sector in decades.


Below is a digest of the key developments all Landlords should be aware of.

Renters Rights Act 2026...so, What is changing?

End of fixed‑term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)

  • All existing ASTs will transition to Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs) on 1 May.  Landlords will not be able to agree a minimum fixed term for the Tenancy and it will need to be a Periodic Tenancy from the outset.


End of Section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions

  • Landlords must now use reformed Section 8 grounds for possession. Tenants can no longer be evicted without a valid, legal reason. Any evictions must now rely on specific grounds, such as rent arrears, antisocial behaviour or the Landlord intending to sell the property. 


Tenants can give two months notice at any time

  • Under new rolling tenancies, Tenants are free to end agreements more flexibly and can end their tenancy by giving at least two month's notice.


Rent increases limited to once per year

  • Landlords can only increase rent once per year, using a Section 13 notice and need to provide a minimum of two months notice. Rent increases must not exceed the open market rate. Tenants can also challenge excessive increases.


Tenants and Pet Rights

  • Tenants have the right to formally request permission to keep a pet and these requests must be considered reasonably by the Landlord.  There will be no more outright bans for keeping pets.


No more rental bidding wars

  • Landlords must advertise a single price and stick to it. Bidding wars are prohibited and properties must be advertised at a fixed amount of rent.  Offers above the advertised amount cannot be accepted.


One month’s rent maximum

  • Landlords can no longer charge more than 1 month of rent upfront as an advance payment.


Fairer access for Tenants

  • Landlords cannot refuse applicants or Tenants solely due to receiving benefits or having children.


These changes aim to create a more balanced and stable rental system for both Landlords and Tenants.



LANDLORDS

If you would like to discuss any of these changes or just need some infomation, then feel free to contact us on 01789 224 890