- 16
- March
Landlords Read On!
At Pattinson, we are committed to keeping you informed and up to date with regulatory changes that affect your property. The purpose of this communication is to provide guidance on the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act reforms and what they mean for you as the landlord.
We will manage these changes effectively on your behalf, but as the property owner, it is important that you are aware of your responsibilities and the impact of the new legislation.
From 1 May 2026, the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act will come into force, introducing significant changes to how residential tenancies are managed in England.
Below is a summary of the key changes landlords should be aware of.
- End of Section 21 “No Fault” Evictions
Section 21 notices will be abolished from 1 May 2026. This means landlords will no longer be able to regain possession of a property without providing a legal reason.
Instead, possession will need to be sought using Section 8 grounds, such as selling the property, moving into the property, rent arrears, or tenant breaches. - Fixed-Term Tenancies Will End
Most tenancies will become periodic (rolling) tenancies.
Tenants will be able to end their tenancy with two months’ notice, while landlords must provide four months’ notice where applicable possession grounds apply. - Rent Increases Limited to Once Per Year
Landlords will only be able to increase rent once every 12 months using the formal legal notice process.
Tenants will have the right to challenge increases through the First-tier Tribunal if they believe the increase is excessive. - Rental Bidding Wars Will Be Banned
Properties must be advertised at a clear rental price and landlords or agents will not be allowed to accept offers above the advertised rent. - Restrictions on Rent in Advance
Landlords will be limited in how much rent can be requested before a tenancy begins, typically no more than one month’s rent between signing the agreement and the start date. - New Tenant Rights
Tenants will have stronger protections, including the right to request permission for pets and protection from discrimination related to benefits or having children.
These changes represent one of the most significant reforms to the Private Rented Sector in decades. Further reforms, including a PRS landlord database and ombudsman, are expected to follow later in 2026.
If you would like advice on how these changes may affect your current tenancy agreements or future lettings, please feel free to contact us..