Renters' Rights Act

Name: Renters' Rights Act
Brand: Beresfords
Rating: 4.9 (988 reviews)

What Landlords Need to Know Before the First Changes Arrive in 2026

Following the long-awaited Renters’ Rights Act achieving Royal Assent—and confirmation of the first implementation date—Beresfords Group’s lettings and compliance experts are advising landlords to begin preparations now for the most significant reform to the private rental sector in decades.

The government has confirmed that the changes will be phased in, with the first measures taking effect on 1 May 2026. These will include:

Abolition of fixed-term tenancies, with Assured Tenancies moving to Assured Periodic Tenancies
Expanded and updated Section 8 possession grounds
Changes to the rent increase process, including a longer notice period
Stronger civil penalties and new investigatory powers for Local Authorities, commencing December 2025
Prohibition of requiring rent in advance
Prevention of rent bidding and the acceptance of offers above the advertised price
Updated regulations relating to pets

Staying informed will be more important than ever for both landlords and tenants as the first phase of these reforms approaches and beyond. Beresfords will continue to provide clear updates, practical guidance, and expert advice as further details are released, ensuring we adapt with confidence and continued compliance.

Contact Beresfords today for tailored advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after purchasing a property to rent out?

If you have just purchased a property to rent out, it’s essential you receive accurate and reliable advice from the outset, as failure to set things up properly could see you compromised.

Can I manage my rental property myself as a landlord?

If you have been managing everything yourself up until now, the practicalities of continuing to do so once the Renters Rights Act comes into effect could prove more difficult and time-consuming. This is especially important when considering your legal responsibilities, the time required to manage everything involved, and the need to stay consistently ahead of changes.

What are my options if I’m unhappy with my current letting agent?

We understand that some letting agents are notably behind the curve when it comes to lettings legislation, both in general and, more specifically, regarding the Renters' Rights Act and its implications.
If your current agent falls into this category, isn’t communicating regularly, or seems to be taking your business for granted, it may be time to reassess your position.

Many landlords aren’t aware that switching agents during an active tenancy is often straightforward and low-cost. So, if you have concerns, now may be the ideal moment to explore your options. We’re happy to have an initial, no-obligation chat to help you understand the best course forward.

How does current legislation impact tenants?

While the Renters' Rights Act is intended to provide greater protection for tenants, staying informed about the legislation is equally important for both tenants and landlords. With new obligations on all sides, it’s essential to work with a letting agent who is properly qualified and fully equipped to navigate these changes.

So, why us?

The planned changes are extensive and will have a considerable effect on the entire lettings industry. Whether a landlord or tenant, you can feel reassured that our staff are ‘fully regulated’ and suitably qualified to offer sound and dependable advice which will help those involved transition effectively through this challenging period. Furthermore, we provide rent and deposit protection and can effectively manage a tenancy, dealing with everything from start to finish. Every tenancy will have its own dedicated Property Manager who will proactively progress any maintenance-based issues that may arise.

If you are a tenant, our advice is to try to rent through an agent who adopts a professional approach and offers a good standard of accommodation.

From a landlord’s perspective, you can feel reassured that you will be working with a market-leading agent who appreciates the business you provide. To entice you to get in touch, we are currently offering some lucrative discounts on our fees, plus additional incentives and a compliance check to ensure everything is in place to comply with the new regulations.

Our range of services is comprehensive and fees are competitive, which is why we believe our offering represents genuine value for money.

We have been landlords for 16 years and moving our portfolio from another agent to Beresfords was simple and expertly coordinated by their experienced staff. They make the entire process simple for landlords. Our properties are never vacant for long, and the quality of tenants is excellent. I would highly recommend them without hesitation.

Jane Stanton-Cole

As a long-term landlord of Beresfords for more than 10 years, my experience with this agent has been exceptional. Everyone is highly professional, helpful, approachable, and knowledgeable. Excellent advice is given when needed and all queries are always dealt with efficiently. Thank you everyone.

Deborah Johnson

We are here to help you

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team

Contact your local Lettings branch

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team

Contact your local Lettings branch