The government has confirmed
that no-fault evictions under Section 21 will be abolished in England from May
2026 under the Renters' Rights Act. This represents the most significant
overhaul of the rental sector in over three decades and will fundamentally change
how landlords and tenants interact.
What's Changing?
The new legislation
introduces several major reforms to the private rental sector:
End of Fixed-Term Tenancies: All tenancies will
transition to rolling agreements, giving tenants greater flexibility and
security in their homes.
Abolition of Section 21: Landlords will no longer be
able to evict tenants without providing a specific legal reason. Instead, they
must rely on defined grounds for possession.
Protection for Tenants: Renters cannot be evicted
for reporting poor property conditions, ensuring they can raise legitimate
concerns without fear of retaliatory action.
Enhanced Documentation
Requirements:
Compliance, record-keeping, and evidence will become more critical than ever
for landlords and letting agents.
The Scale of Impact
According to recent reports,
these changes will affect more than 11 million renters across England, along
with all private landlords and letting agents operating in the sector. The
reforms aim to provide greater security for tenants while maintaining a fair
and functional rental market.
What Landlords and Agents Need to Do
Now
With implementation scheduled
for May 2026, property professionals need to begin preparing immediately. Key
areas to address include:
● Updating tenancy agreements to comply with the new
Renters' Rights Act requirements
● Implementing robust
compliance systems to manage the new eviction grounds and documentation standards
● Establishing evidence-based
processes
for property inspections, maintenance records, and tenant communications
●
Training staff on the new legal framework and procedures
Failing to prepare adequately
could result in enforcement action, costly delays in possession proceedings,
and financial penalties.
Getting Ready for the Changes
The transition to the new
system represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the rental sector.
Landlords and agents who proactively adapt their practices will be better
positioned to navigate the new landscape successfully, maintain positive tenant
relationships, and avoid legal complications.
The time to act is now. With less than 18 months until implementation,
property professionals should prioritise reviewing their current processes and
making the necessary changes to ensure full compliance with the Renters' Rights
Act.
