Renters’ Rights Changes: What Every Landlord Should Do Now

The landscape for private landlords in England is transforming and the date for implementation of the next stage is fast approaching. The recent changes to renters’ rights — including new legal duties and enhanced tenant protections — are more than just headlines in the industry press. They represent real, practical shifts in how landlords must manage their properties, comply with regulation, and engage with tenants.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a new landlord, now is the time to understand these reforms and adapt your approach. Here’s a clear, practical guide on what you should be doing — and how Bevan Residential can help you navigate every step.

1. Understand the Changes

The act aims to strengthening tenants’ rights to a secure safe home and improve the quality of private rented housing. These include:

• End to fixed term tenancies – from 1^st May 2026 all assured shorthold tenancies will immediately become assured periodic tenancies

• End to Section 21 – no fault evictions, Section 8 will take their place but can only be given on certain grounds

• Changes to the rent increase processes

• Amendments to tenants rights to request pets

Many of these changes affect how you manage your properties on a day-to-day basis and carry significant penalties for non-compliance. Ignoring them isn’t an option.

2. Carry Out a Compliance Check

Your first priority should be a full compliance audit of your portfolio. Landlords now need to ensure everything from gas and electrical safety certificates to energy performance ratings is up to date and meets the newly strengthened criteria.

Missing documentation or outdated certifications can not only land you with fines but also delay or prevent lawful possession in the event of a dispute.

3. Review Your Tenancy Agreements

Standard assured shorthold tenancy agreements have been updated in many key areas. Clauses around rent increases, tenant rights, deposits, pets and permitted occupiers may no longer reflect current law.

This isn’t just a paperwork exercise – it is important to understand how the changes will affect the management of the tenancy

4. Communicate With Your Tenants

Clarity and transparency with tenants fosters better relationships and reduces disputes. Now more than ever, landlords should be proactive in explaining changes, expectations, and how these affect the tenancy.

5. Talk to Bevan Residential — We Can Help

At Bevan Residential, we specialise in helping landlords stay ahead of legislative change. From tenancy documentation and compliance reviews to full management services tailored to the new regulatory environment, we’re here to help you protect your investment and reduce risk.

today to find out how we can support you through these changes — and make sure your portfolio is compliant, efficient and future-ready.