The new Renters’ Rights Act is the most significant reform of England’s private rental sector in a generation. Its purpose is clear: to create a fairer, more transparent system for both tenants and landlords.
For context – the Renters’ Rights Act is not designed to make life difficult for responsible landlords operating from Asia – or anywhere else – who own property in the UK.
Instead, the new laws target a persistent issue: tenants on low incomes often being forced into unsafe, substandard housing owned by bad landlords who fail to meet even basic standards. For too long, these tenants have had little legal recourse and, in many cases, were unable to leave poor-quality accommodation. The Renters’ Rights Act seeks to change that.
For landlords in Asia who already operate to good standards, with a reputable managing agent such as Chase Evans, England’s Renters’ Rights Act should be viewed as an opportunity to formalise best practice, and reinforce professional standards across the sector, with changes relatively straightforward to adopt.
CHANGES AND IMPLEMENTATION
Among the most immediate changes are the abolition of Section 21 notices, often used for ‘no fault’ evictions – which are being replaced by specified grounds under Section 8 of the Housing Act to regain possession – the introduction of new possession grounds, the end of fixed-term tenancies, and rent-in-advance restrictions.
These reforms will take place, on 1st May 2026, and the final deadline for serving Section 21 notices will be 30th April 2026.
While this is a big shift, landlords should feel reassured that the updated grounds for possession cover all common reasons for needing to reclaim a property, including if you wish to sell, or if you, or a family member would like to move in to the property.
TRANSITION PERIOD
Membership of an Ombudsman Scheme will follow after a transition period. This will make it mandatory for landlords to join a new PRS Ombudsman Service, ensuring transparency and accountability. This phased approach allows the sector time to adjust and infrastructure to be put in place.
Managing the move to periodic tenancies. While some landlords may worry about increased flexibility for tenants, the reality is reassuring. The average tenancy in the UK now lasts 30 months, and short-term lets remain rare.
Fairer treatment of pet ownership. Landlords can no longer impose blanket bans. Instead, they must consider each request on its merits. This change fosters a more inclusive rental market, helping tenants feel truly at home. For landlords, it’s about balance. They must ensure property suitability while encouraging responsible pet ownership.
DAUNTING PROSPECT
For landlords, the evolving landscape may feel daunting. But with expert guidance, they can navigate the new status quo with confidence.
The fundamentals haven’t changed and property in England remains a resilient long-term investment for international investors. What’s new is a framework that encourages consistency, accountability, and better outcomes for all parties.
A good letting agent with global insight and local knowledge will be ready to guide both parties through this new process, to ensure no-one is left in the dark
NAVIGATING THE TRANSITION
As with any regulatory shift, communication and expertise will be critical. Landlords, particularly those managing portfolios from overseas, should ensure they:
Understand the new requirements around tenancy agreements, possession procedures, and property standards.
Proactively engage with changes. The phased implementation provides time to adapt, but proactive engagement will be key to compliance and risk management.
Engage with a managing agent sooner rather than later. At Chase Evans, we communicate with clarity and knowledge to our international landlords, guiding them through and beyond this transition period.
RASING STANDARDS
The Renters’ Rights Act represents a turning point for England’s rental market. By raising standards and reinforcing transparency, it offers a better outcome for tenants and landlords alike.
For those committed to professionalism, the changes ahead are not a barrier but an opportunity to strengthen practices and build trust in a sector that underpins the UK’s housing economy.
Clearer compliance standards reduce risk, while improved tenant protections enhance market stability.
The Act formalises practices that many responsible landlords already follow, reinforcing the value of high standards and transparency.
