Big changes are coming to the UK rental market! If you’re a landlord, it’s important to understand what’s changing and how it could affect you.
Key Phases of the Act
Phase 1 – 1st May 2026
The new assured tenancy will be introduced:
- 📝 End of fixed-term tenancies → new periodic tenancy agreement
- 🚫 Section 21 abolished
- ⚖️ Updated section 8 grounds for possession
- 💰 Rent in advance limited to 1 month
- 📈 Rent increases limited to once a year
- 🐾 Tenants can request pets – landlords must have a valid reason to refuse
Other changes at the same time:
- ❌ Bidding wars banned
- 👨👩👧👦 Illegal to discriminate against tenants on benefits or with children
- 💸 Stronger rent repayment orders
- ⚠️ Civil penalties increased – max fine raised from £30,000 → £40,000
Phase 2 – Late 2026
- 📊 Introduction of the PRS Database – all landlords must register and pay a fee
- 🏛️ Landlord Ombudsman will be established – membership mandatory (likely 2028)
Phase 3 – Timings TBD
- 🏡 New Decent Homes Standard (mid-2030s)
- ♻️ Minimum EPC rating raised from E → C
- 🔍 Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) review
What Landlords Need to Do
With these changes coming in under 6 months, it’s essential to stay compliant. If you manage your own properties, start preparing:
- Use the new periodic tenancy agreement from 1st May 2026
- Strengthen tenant screening
- Ensure your advertising meets anti-discrimination rules
- Keep detailed records of tenant issues
- Review section 8 grounds and new notice periods
- Check landlord insurance for rent arrears and eviction costs
- Consider keeping more funds in reserve for turnover/voids
- Keep up with current rental prices
- Make your property child & pet friendly
- Ensure compliance with all health and safety standards
How We Can Help
If we manage your property, we handle everything on your behalf - making ownership simpler, more profitable, and stress-free, while ensuring your tenants are satisfied.
- Our team is trained and updated on all legislative changes
- All tenancy-related tasks are handled with care and compliance
- Membership in Propertymark guarantees professionalism
If you are a self-managing landlord and want to reduce risk, save time, and stay compliant, speak to our lettings team today about our management services.
For more information on our services, click on the links below:
