The Renters’ Rights Act marks one of the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in England in decades. Key changes include the removal of Section 21, new rules governing rent increases, and a shift towards more standardised, periodic tenancy structures.
For many landlords, the question is no longer what is changing, but how to prepare for the Renters’ Rights Act in a way that protects their income and keeps their portfolio running smoothly. Taking practical steps now can help reduce disruption, improve compliance, and make the transition feel far more manageable.
Landlords can prepare for the Renters’ Rights Act by:
Acting early can help landlords adapt more confidently to the new legal framework.
Understanding the expected timeline for the reforms is an essential first step.
Key dates landlords should be aware of include:
Student landlords should also note the introduction of a new possession ground designed to protect the academic letting cycle. In most cases, notice will need to be served before 31 May in order to rely on this ground.
Creating a simple timeline now can help landlords plan for:
• tenancy changes
• rent reviews
• compliance and documentation tasks linked to the reforms
Where there are existing issues within a tenancy, it may be simpler to resolve them before the removal of Section 21.
Once Section 21 is abolished, landlords will rely more heavily on the possession grounds available under Section 8. While possession will still be possible, the process is expected to be more structured and may take longer in some cases.
If you currently have concerns about:
addressing these early could make the transition to the new system smoother and less stressful.
The Renters’ Rights Act will also change how rent increases are handled.
Under the new framework, rent increases will typically be limited to once per year and must follow the formal process set out under Section 13. Tenants will also be able to challenge rent increases they believe are above local market levels.
This makes it especially important for landlords to review current rents now. If rents have fallen behind local market rates, adjusting them later may be more difficult.
Ensuring rents are aligned with the market can help to:
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces new compliance requirements, making accurate record keeping more important than ever.
For example, existing tenants must be given the government’s Renters’ Rights information sheet by 31 May, and this must be provided as a document rather than simply via a web link.
Landlords should also take time to review:
A new Private Rented Sector database will also require landlords to register their properties and upload key documents such as safety certificates, EPCs and deposit protection information.
Organising documentation now can make ongoing compliance far easier once the new system is in place.
Periods of regulatory change can also provide a natural opportunity to review the bigger picture.
Costs across the private rented sector have increased in recent years, and some landlords may need to invest further to meet property standards or compliance requirements.
It may be helpful to review:
Taking a portfolio wide view can help landlords make informed decisions about refinancing, reinvestment, or future strategy.
Preparing early can help landlords approach the new rules with greater confidence and control.
Yes. The Act will apply to most landlords in England and introduces changes such as periodic tenancies and the removal of Section 21.
Yes. Landlords will still be able to regain possession using the grounds available under Section 8, although the process may be more structured than under the current system.
In most cases, rent increases will be limited to once per year using the Section 13 process. Tenants will also be able to challenge increases they believe exceed market levels.
Regulatory change is often a good point to review whether your mortgage still supports your goals as a landlord. Whether you’re refinancing, expanding your portfolio, or planning ahead for upcoming renewals, the right lending structure can make navigating change far easier.
Speak to your broker for trusted advice, they are best positioned to help you stay resilient as the rental market evolves.