Renters’ Rights Act

Landlords: Are you ready for major changes to the rental market?
The private rental sector will be significantly reformed from 1 May 2026. Now is the right time to get prepared so you are fully compliant.
Renters rights bill

The Renters’ Rights Act will be implemented on 1 May 2026. Don’t leave your investment exposed.

With greater regulation comes greater risk — especially for landlords managing their property on their own. If you’re currently using a let-only service, this is a crucial moment to consider switching to full management.

Our expert team will ensure your property remains compliant, professionally managed, and occupied by reliable tenants. We handle everything from maintenance and legal compliance to marketing and tenant communication, helping you to avoid costly mistakes and keep your investment working in your favour.

When it’s time to regain possession of your property, we’ll guide you through the correct procedures — no guesswork, no hassle.

Get in touch
Shane Active
“From 1 May 2026, the new Act will reshape the way landlords manage their properties. At Rolfe East, we’ve been tracking developments closely and are ready to help you navigate the new landscape with confidence.”
Shane Active MNAEA | Sales & Lettings Director

Main changes and our solutions:

All existing fixed-term ASTs and new tenancies will become open-ended periodic tenancies. This means tenants can leave with two months’ notice at any time.

Rent can only be raised once annually and must reflect local market levels at the price that would be achieved if the property was newly let. To do this a Section 13 notice will be served giving at least two months’ notice.

Landlords must now rely on Section 8 evictions using specific grounds—such as rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, or needing to sell the property or move back in.

Our solution: We’ll advise on the appropriate ground and notice period for each case and carry out pre-emptive tenant referencing to reduce eviction risk.

The Act prohibits turning away applicants who receive benefits, have children, or request pets. Existing ‘no-pets’ clauses become unenforceable.

Our solution: We’ll guide you through fair lettings practice and suggest pet insurance where applicable to dampen damage risk.

Charging more than one month’s rent in advance is prohibited or accepting a higher offer than the advertised rent. Student residents can’t be locked into agreements or payments more than six months ahead.

Our solution: We’ll ensure tenants pass full referencing criteria so added financial safeguards aren’t necessary, and we’ll relist student rentals within required timescales.

Civil penalties will be expanded and a new requirement for local councils to report on enforcement activity. Rent repayment orders will be extended to superior landlords, the maximum penalty will be doubled and repeat offenders required to pay the maximum amount.

We will advise landlords on full compliance for affected properties.

Every landlord and property must be registered on a government database, which includes any enforcement actions or notices served.

Our solution: We’ll ensure that as one of our managed landlords, all your details and properties are consistently and correctly listed.

A statutory ombudsman will be set up as a formal mechanism for resolving landlord–tenant disputes without court involvement.

Our solution: We’ll support you through any complaint process involving the ombudsman to ensure smooth and impartial resolution.

Renters Rights Act brochure
Download our guide for in-depth information on what the Renters’ Rights’ Act means for you…
Download Guide
Landlords: Take Action Now!
With major reforms fast approaching, now is the time to ensure your property is protected. Rolfe East’s full management service is designed to keep you compliant, informed, and ahead of the curve. If you’re unsure whether your current letting agent is fully prepared for these changes, we’re here to help. Contact our lettings team today to find out how we can support you through the transition.
Call us on 0208 840 7707 or complete the form below…

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