By Philippa Salguero, Lettings Manager at Hindhead Property

A New Chapter for Renting in England

The Renters Rights Act became law on 27 October 2025 and the Government confirms that the first major changes will begin on 1 May 2026.Official Government Implementation Roadmap

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renters-rights-act-2025-implementation-roadmap

This Act is the biggest change to renting since the late nineteen eighties. It affects landlords, tenants and letting agents alike, and the rules are designed to create a fairer and more modern rental system. So let us explore the changes with real facts, surprising statistics and a few fun rental truths you may not know.

The State of Renting Today

Key Facts

• More than eleven million people now rent privately in England

• One in every five households is a rented household

• The number of renting households has doubled since the early two thousands

• Families with children now make up a large share of long term renters

Government Report

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-fairer-private-rented-sector

The rental sector has grown faster than the laws that once governed it, which is why this new Act exists.

The Major Changes Explained Clearly

One. Goodbye Fixed Term Tenancies

From 1 May 2026, nearly all assured shorthold tenancies will automatically become periodic. No more six month or twelve month fixed terms.

Fun fact

More than eighty percent of renters are currently in fixed term agreements. This entire structure will disappear.

The End of Section Twenty One Evictions

The famous no fault eviction rule is being abolished.

Landlords will still be able to regain possession but will use updated section eight grounds .Government Guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-fairer-private-rented-sector

Interesting fact

More than twenty four thousand section twenty one claims went through courts in twenty twenty three. Soon these claims will no longer exist.

Only One Rent Increase Per Year

The Act confirms landlords may increase rent once per year using the official section thirteen process. Rent Increase Rules:

https://www.gov.uk/private-renting/rent-increases 

Fun fact

Many tenants never knew they already had the right to challenge unfair increases. The new Act makes this even clearer.

No More Bidding Wars

Landlords and letting agents cannot encourage tenants to offer above the listed rent. This means

• no secret rent auctions

• no best and final offers

• no last minute price jumps Fair and transparent from the start.

Better Rights for Pets

Tenants will be allowed to request a pet and landlords must respond reasonably unless a head lease forbids animals. Pet fact.

More than fifty percent of UK households own a pet.  This rule helps thousands of families.

Fairness for Tenants on Benefits and Tenants with Children

Blanket refusals will not be lawful.

Decisions must be fair, consistent and evidence based.

Strange but True Renting Facts

You may not know:

• The longest known UK tenancy lasted more than sixty years

• Some councils found that fifteen percent of tenants did not know they could challenge rent increases

• Smoke alarms are required by law but fines are increasing under the new rules

• Government research now classifies pets as part of a stable family environment which influenced the changes

What This Means for Our Landlords

Here at Hindhead Property we are guiding landlords through the reform with clear steps:

We are already

• Reviewing and updating tenancy agreements

• Preparing for all periodic arrangements

• Checking head lease rules for pet permissions

• Training the team in all new possession routes

• Updating marketing standards

• Planning rent review strategies

• Ensuring landlords do not breach the one increase rule. Plymouth rents increased around seven percent last year which makes correct pricing more important than ever.

What This Means for Tenants

Tenants will benefit from

• Better long term security

• Clearer rent rules

• Fair access to pet friendly homes

• Protection against unfair refusal

• More modern rights that match real life renting. Renting is becoming more stable and fair which is good for families across Plymouth.

How Hindhead Property Is Preparing for 1 May 2026

We are completing

1. Updated tenancy templates
2. Full agreement audits
3. Landlord and tenant information guides
4. Staff training sessions
5. Updated marketing and pricing systems
6. Policy reviews for pets, rent increases and renewals

We want every property in our portfolio ready and compliant before the new rules arrive.

Final Thought

The Renters Rights Act brings huge change but also huge opportunity. Renting becomes clearer, fairer and far more modern. At Hindhead Property we are excited to guide every landlord and tenant through this next chapter with confidence. If your not all read out and want a more in depth look at the governments road map please take a look at this : 

Roadmap for Reform RRC 2024.pdf

P.S. Remember – Hindhead Property is not your typical estate agent and we’ll beat any fee! For more info call the team on 01752 875075, or email us at: q@hindheadproperty.com