Everything You Need to Know
Property File App
Welcome to the Property File App! Your all-in-one online hub for staying in the know about your rental property. Easily manage your tenancy 24/7, report maintenance concerns, access crucial documents, and stay in the loop with scheduled appointments.
Need more details? Chat with one of our team members or dive into the world of convenience by downloading the Property File App now from your app store. Your rental experience, simplified.
Need more details? Chat with one of our team members or dive into the world of convenience by downloading the Property File App now from your app store. Your rental experience, simplified.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2026
A Tenant’s Guide To The Renters’ Rights Act
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is one of the biggest changes to private renting in England for many years. It is designed to give tenants more security, make rental rules clearer, and improve standards across the private rented sector. The Act received Royal Assent in October 2025, with the main changes being introduced in stages.
At Hindhead Property, our aim is simple. We want tenants to understand their rights, landlords to understand their responsibilities, and everyone involved to have a clear, well managed tenancy.
What is changing?
The biggest change is the end of Section 21 no fault evictions. This means landlords can no longer end a tenancy without a valid legal reason. Landlords can still regain possession of a property, but they will need to use the correct legal grounds, such as selling the property, moving back in, serious rent arrears, anti social behaviour or another permitted reason.
Most private tenancies will move towards rolling periodic tenancies, rather than fixed term contracts with a set end date. This gives tenants more flexibility and security, while still allowing landlords to regain possession where there is a proper legal reason.
Rent increases will also be more controlled. In most cases, rent can only be increased once per year, with proper notice, and tenants may be able to challenge an unreasonable increase through the tribunal process.
The Act also introduces stronger rules around rental advertising, pets, discrimination and property standards. This includes restrictions on rental bidding, protection for tenants with children or those receiving benefits, and a right for tenants to request permission to keep a pet, which landlords must consider reasonably.
What does this mean for tenants?
For most tenants, the day to day renting experience should remain familiar. You will still need to pay your rent on time, look after the property, report repairs properly and follow the terms of your tenancy.
What changes is the structure around the tenancy. There should be more clarity over how rent increases are handled, how a tenancy can be ended, how repairs and property standards are managed, and what information tenants should receive.
What should tenants do?
Keep communication clear and in writing where possible. If there is a repair issue, report it promptly and give enough detail for it to be dealt with properly.
Keep copies of important documents, including your tenancy agreement, deposit information, safety certificates, rent records and any written communication about repairs or changes to the tenancy.
If you want to request a pet, make the request properly and be prepared to discuss reasonable conditions, such as suitable insurance, professional cleaning or how the property will be protected.
If you receive a rent increase notice or notice seeking possession, do not ignore it. Read it carefully and contact the managing agent, landlord or an independent advice service if you are unsure.
Our approach
Hindhead Property works with both tenants and landlords, so we understand that good renting depends on clear communication and fair expectations on both sides.
The new rules are designed to raise standards across the rental market. For good tenants and responsible landlords, the aim should be a better managed, more transparent renting experience.
If you are renting a property through Hindhead and have questions about your tenancy, repairs, documents or the new legislation, please contact our team and we will do our best to guide you clearly.
This guide is for general information only and should not be treated as legal advice. The Renters’ Rights Act is being introduced in stages, so guidance may change as further rules and implementation dates are confirmed.
For more info please see the below link:
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 - GOV.UK
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is one of the biggest changes to private renting in England for many years. It is designed to give tenants more security, make rental rules clearer, and improve standards across the private rented sector. The Act received Royal Assent in October 2025, with the main changes being introduced in stages.
At Hindhead Property, our aim is simple. We want tenants to understand their rights, landlords to understand their responsibilities, and everyone involved to have a clear, well managed tenancy.
What is changing?
The biggest change is the end of Section 21 no fault evictions. This means landlords can no longer end a tenancy without a valid legal reason. Landlords can still regain possession of a property, but they will need to use the correct legal grounds, such as selling the property, moving back in, serious rent arrears, anti social behaviour or another permitted reason.
Most private tenancies will move towards rolling periodic tenancies, rather than fixed term contracts with a set end date. This gives tenants more flexibility and security, while still allowing landlords to regain possession where there is a proper legal reason.
Rent increases will also be more controlled. In most cases, rent can only be increased once per year, with proper notice, and tenants may be able to challenge an unreasonable increase through the tribunal process.
The Act also introduces stronger rules around rental advertising, pets, discrimination and property standards. This includes restrictions on rental bidding, protection for tenants with children or those receiving benefits, and a right for tenants to request permission to keep a pet, which landlords must consider reasonably.
What does this mean for tenants?
For most tenants, the day to day renting experience should remain familiar. You will still need to pay your rent on time, look after the property, report repairs properly and follow the terms of your tenancy.
What changes is the structure around the tenancy. There should be more clarity over how rent increases are handled, how a tenancy can be ended, how repairs and property standards are managed, and what information tenants should receive.
What should tenants do?
Keep communication clear and in writing where possible. If there is a repair issue, report it promptly and give enough detail for it to be dealt with properly.
Keep copies of important documents, including your tenancy agreement, deposit information, safety certificates, rent records and any written communication about repairs or changes to the tenancy.
If you want to request a pet, make the request properly and be prepared to discuss reasonable conditions, such as suitable insurance, professional cleaning or how the property will be protected.
If you receive a rent increase notice or notice seeking possession, do not ignore it. Read it carefully and contact the managing agent, landlord or an independent advice service if you are unsure.
Our approach
Hindhead Property works with both tenants and landlords, so we understand that good renting depends on clear communication and fair expectations on both sides.
The new rules are designed to raise standards across the rental market. For good tenants and responsible landlords, the aim should be a better managed, more transparent renting experience.
If you are renting a property through Hindhead and have questions about your tenancy, repairs, documents or the new legislation, please contact our team and we will do our best to guide you clearly.
This guide is for general information only and should not be treated as legal advice. The Renters’ Rights Act is being introduced in stages, so guidance may change as further rules and implementation dates are confirmed.
For more info please see the below link:
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 - GOV.UK
What's the Emergency Protocol?
Emergencies are like uninvited guests – they demand immediate attention for the safety of the tenants or the property.
Think of it as a superhero call-to-action. Ring our office hotline or hit dial the numbers below if it's after-hours superhero time! Behold, the Emergency Avengers' Checklist:
Be a hero and attach photos or videos of the issue – it's like giving your superhero team a heads-up for a speedy response!
Office Hours:
📆 Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
📆 Saturday: By Appointment Only
📆 Sunday: Also By Appointment Only
But, hold onto your capes! If you face an emergency beyond these hours, call our emergency contacts below. We want to be there for you but even superheroes need to catch some Z's sometimes!
Call Out Charges
A word of wisdom on call-out charges: If you summon a contractor for an emergency, the bill is on you( If the fault is caused by something you have done/caused!). They work under your command like trusty sidekicks. Check with your chosen contractor about their fees, as these superhero sidekicks may have different rates depending on the day.
Think of it as a superhero call-to-action. Ring our office hotline or hit dial the numbers below if it's after-hours superhero time! Behold, the Emergency Avengers' Checklist:
- Smell gas? Channel your inner superhero and contact National Grid pronto!
- Power cuts causing chaos? Dial up Western Power – they're the power rangers of electricity.
- Flooding frenzy? Shut off the water at the stopcock, stat!
- Toilet troubles? If you've got a backup throne, contact us the next day on the maintenance hotline.
- Windows or doors acting like rebels? If you're locked out, unleash the locksmith – your superhero of security. Just remember, it's on your dime, and bring extra keys for the office.
Be a hero and attach photos or videos of the issue – it's like giving your superhero team a heads-up for a speedy response!
Office Hours:
📆 Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
📆 Saturday: By Appointment Only
📆 Sunday: Also By Appointment Only
But, hold onto your capes! If you face an emergency beyond these hours, call our emergency contacts below. We want to be there for you but even superheroes need to catch some Z's sometimes!
Call Out Charges
A word of wisdom on call-out charges: If you summon a contractor for an emergency, the bill is on you( If the fault is caused by something you have done/caused!). They work under your command like trusty sidekicks. Check with your chosen contractor about their fees, as these superhero sidekicks may have different rates depending on the day.
Emergency Contacts for Contractors
Tenant Fees Act 2019
In line with the Tenant Fees Act 2019, Hindhead Property does not charge any upfront fees to tenants aside from permitted payments. These include:
- Holding deposit – capped at one week’s rent
- Tenancy deposit – capped at five weeks’ rent (or six weeks if the annual rent exceeds £50,000)
- Rent – as agreed in the tenancy
- Default fees – for late rent (3% above the Bank of England base rate after 14 days), lost keys or security devices
- Changes to the tenancy – £50 (or reasonable costs if higher), e.g. name changes or early termination if requested by the tenant
Tenant Information
We want to make your renting experience as clear and straightforward as possible. All of our referencing, tenancy agreements, and tenant-related services are provided through Rightmove, giving you peace of mind with a trusted and secure platform. You can find helpful guides and support on their Rightmove Tenant Information Page.
To view a copy of our Rightmove Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, please click HERE.
To view a copy of our Propertymark Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, please click HERE.
To view a copy of our Company Let NRLA Agreement, please click HERE.
To view a copy of our Rightmove Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, please click HERE.
To view a copy of our Propertymark Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, please click HERE.
To view a copy of our Company Let NRLA Agreement, please click HERE.
How to Rent with Hindhead Property
We’re here to make renting simple, transparent, and stress-free. Here’s a quick guide to how it works:
1. Apply Online First
Before we arrange a viewing, please complete our short Tenant Application Form. This helps us match you with the right property and speeds up the process.
2. View the Property
Once we’ve reviewed your application, we’ll get in touch to arrange a suitable time for your viewing, if you don't want to wait please feel free to call us on 01752 875075.
3. Reserve Your Property
If the landlord is happy to proceed, you’ll be invited to complete your referencing online via Rightmove and pay a holding deposit (equal to one week’s rent) to secure the property.
4. Pass Referencing
Rightmove will carry out affordability, employment, and landlord checks. Once approved, we’ll invite you to:
- Sign your tenancy agreement
- Pay your deposit and first month’s rent
- Provide ID and standing order confirmation
5. Move-In Day
If your property is fully managed by us, we’ll meet you at the property to run through the inventory, take meter readings, test alarms, and hand over the keys.
Need more support? Visit Rightmove’s Tenant Advice Page or contact our team — we’re always happy to help.
What Does “Behaving in a Tenant-Like Manner” Really Mean?
Your tenancy agreement sets out the responsibilities of landlords and tenants clearly so everyone knows what they are responsible for.
In short:
Landlord Responsibilities:
The landlord is not responsible for damage caused by negligence or failure to keep the property in a tenant-like manner. Tenants must take care of everyday small tasks.
What Is “Tenant-Like Manner”?
The phrase comes from the 1953 court case Warren v Keen, where Lord Denning explained tenants must do the small jobs a reasonable tenant would do, and avoid damage through negligence.
“…do the little jobs around the place which a reasonable tenant would do… not damage the house wilfully or negligently.”
Simply put, tenants should keep the property safe and tidy by doing small maintenance tasks themselves.
Tenant-Like Manner Checklist
If you owned the home, would you hire a contractor to fix this? If not, it's probably your responsibility. Here’s a quick checklist:
Inside the Property:
In short:
Landlord Responsibilities:
- Repairs to structure and exterior (roof, walls, gutters, drains, foundations)
- Maintaining water, gas, electricity, and sanitation systems
- Heating and hot water system maintenance
The landlord is not responsible for damage caused by negligence or failure to keep the property in a tenant-like manner. Tenants must take care of everyday small tasks.
What Is “Tenant-Like Manner”?
The phrase comes from the 1953 court case Warren v Keen, where Lord Denning explained tenants must do the small jobs a reasonable tenant would do, and avoid damage through negligence.
“…do the little jobs around the place which a reasonable tenant would do… not damage the house wilfully or negligently.”
Simply put, tenants should keep the property safe and tidy by doing small maintenance tasks themselves.
Tenant-Like Manner Checklist
If you owned the home, would you hire a contractor to fix this? If not, it's probably your responsibility. Here’s a quick checklist:
Inside the Property:
- Change lightbulbs
- Replace smoke detector batteries
- Re-pressurise the boiler (if instructed)
- Bleed radiators
- Unblock sinks and toilets
- Keep the property clean and ventilated
- Manage minor pests (ants, wasps)
- Keep grass cut and tidy
- Sweep leaves and garden debris
- Maintain patios and decking (jet wash, clean seasonally)
- Treat and maintain timber decking
- Trim shrubs and trees as needed
- Report and prevent invasive plants like Japanese knotweed, bamboo, buddleia
