Introduction:
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 under Tenancy Management or Guaranteed Rent, we take care of everything – so you don’t have to worry.
- Our teams are trained and updated on all legislative changes
- Excellent legal support ensures our paperwork and processes are top-notch
- Membership in Propertymark guarantees professionalism
If you currently self-manage but want to discuss management services, contact our lettings team today.
For more information on our services click on the links below:
