What Are The New Rules For Landlords In 2026?

The new rules for landlords in 2026 (Renters’ Rights Act) include a maximum of one rent increase per year, no bidding wars and the removal of Section 21 (“no-fault”) evictions.

From May 2026, there will be a range of new rules that landlords will need to be aware of, designed to provide fairer landlord practices and more rights for tenants.

We know how difficult it can be to keep up with ever-changing landlord legislation which is why we work with landlords to help them manage their properties and stay on top of their legal obligations.

At J Property Management London, we are the trusted partner for hundreds of UK landlords, handling the stressful stuff so they can enjoy their investment. Get in touch today to see how we can help!

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What Are The New Rules For Landlords In 2026?

The new rules for landlords will be introduced on May 1st, 2026 under the Renters’ Rights Act, with important implications for both landlords and tenants.

For landlords, here are the key rules that will be coming into effect:

Removal Of Section 21

Section 21 (or “no-fault”) evictions will be banned in 2026. Landlords will have to provide clear and specific justification for evicting tenants.

Previously, under Section 21, landlords could evict their tenants at the end of a mixed tenancy or even during a tenancy if there was no fixed end date (what is known as a periodic tenancy).

Now, in order to evict tenants, landlords may only be able to use a Section 8 notice where they must demonstrate that the tenants have broken the terms of the tenancy agreement. This could include missed rent payments, antisocial behaviour or damage to the property.

No More Fixed-Term Tenancies

Rather than fixed-term tenancies, all tenancy agreements will need to be period tenancies. These are tenancies that operate on a rolling basis (usually month to month) and have no fixed end date so that tenants can have more flexibility.

Written Tenancy Agreements

All new tenancy agreements must be written and must include comprehensive terms and conditions of the tenancy including policies regarding rent increases, evictions, landlord and tenant responsibilities, pets and more.

Additional Tenant Rights

Landlords are no longer able to refuse tenants on the basis of being on benefits, having pets or having children.

Limited Rent Controls

Landlords are only allowed to increase rent once per year and tenants have the right to refuse the rent price, especially if they recognise that it is above the market rate.

Acceptable Living Standards

All rental homes must adhere to the Decent Homes Standard, addressing anything unsafe within specific timeframes.

Higher Taxes

For landlords operating as a limited company, dividend tax rates will be rising by 2% while incorporation relief will require clear evidence and must be actively claimed.

No Bidding Wars

Practices like bidding wars and gazumping will be banned as landlords are prohibited from accepting offers above the advertised rent.

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What Happens If Landlords Don’t Follow The New Rules For 2026?

Landlords could face heavy fines and potential legal consequences if they fail to comply with the new rules outlined by the Renters’ Rights Act.

Specifically they could face:

Fines of up to £7,000 if they fail to produce proper tenancy agreements, breach new regulations or don’t provide required information
Invalidation of any “no-fault” eviction attempts
Legal action and potential financial compensation to tenants if rent increases are deemed unfair
Investigation from local councils if accused of breaching the new standards.

How Can Landlords Prepare For New Rules In 2026?

Luckily, there are lots of ways that landlords can start preparing for the new rules that will be introduced in 2026.

Draft Clear Tenancy Agreements

Have new tenancy agreements drafted up now to factor in the changing legislation and increased tenant rights. For example, you’ll need to remember that there is a limit of one rent increase per year, no more fixed-term agreements and no opportunity for “no-fault” evictions.

Working with a property management company can ensure that your tenancy agreements include everything they should and are legally binding. It can also minimise the risk of any tenancy disputes.

Get Ahead Of Digital Taxes

From April 2026, landlords will need to declare their taxes digitally and reporting will be quarterly rather than annually. Not only will they need to be aware of deadlines to avoid fines, it may also be worth implementing Making Tax Digital-compliant software now to get used to how it works.

Prepare Your Property

Now is a good time to get any energy assessments and health and safety checks up-to-date. There will be stricter policies regarding the Decent Homes Standard so the more you can do now to get your property ready, the more prepared you will be to receive tenants safely from May 2026.

Prepare For New Landlord Rules With J Property Management

As a landlord, it can seem like there are countless obligations to stay on top of, with ever-changing rules and regulations. At J Property Management, we make it simple, helping hundreds of landlords across London and the UK stay compliant, keep their properties to a high standard all year round and still yield a good profit.

Whether it’s handling regular property maintenance, assisting with the legal requirements or sourcing high-quality tenants, we make property management as seamless and profitable as possible.

What Are The New Rules For Landlords In 2026?