Renters' Rights Act

Following the long-awaited Renters Rights Act achieving Royal Assent, lettings and compliance experts at Beresfords Group are advising landlords to start preparing now for the most significant reform to the private rental sector in decades.

While the bill has now officially become law, much of its detail including implementation dates and transitional arrangements remains unclear. The government has confirmed that the new system is expected to be phased in from 2026, but the exact timing and details of enforcement are still to be confirmed.

Here's what we know so far:

- No more fixed-term tenancies
- The end of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
- Only specific reasons permitted by landlords to serve notice
- Limits to be imposed on annual increases in rent
- Restrictions to payments of rent in advance
-Bidding above asking prices to be banned
- Regulation changes regarding pets
- A compulsory register for landlords

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 timely. This is especially important when considering your legal responsibilities, the time required to manage everything involved, and the need to stay consistently up to date.

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 upcoming Renters' Rights Act and its potential 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 could 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 arguably intended to provide greater protection for tenants — and in many cases, it does — 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 pro-actively progress any maintenance- based issues which may arise.

If you are a tenant our advice is to try and 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 further additional incentives and a free compliance check to make sure everything is in place to comply with the new regulations.

Our range of services are very comprehensive and fees 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