Renters’ Rights Act – Landlords Q&A

Q. Will I still be able to get my property back?

Yes.
 You will still be able to regain possession of your property, but not without a valid reason. The law is moving away from “no-fault” evictions and towards clear, evidence-based grounds, such as:

• Selling the property
• Moving back in (or a close family member)
• Rent arrears
• Anti-social behaviour or breach of tenancy

The key change is that process and paperwork must be correct.

Q. Does this mean tenants can stay forever?

No.
 Tenants gain more security, but they do not gain ownership or unlimited rights. If a tenant breaches the agreement, fails to pay rent, or if you have a legitimate reason to regain possession, the law still supports landlords.

Q. Will this make it impossible to remove bad tenants?

No — but it does make evidence more important.


The new system actually strengthens certain possession grounds, particularly around:

• Persistent rent arrears
• Anti-social behaviour

Good record-keeping, correct notices, and early intervention will be crucial.

Q. What happens to fixed-term tenancies?

All tenancies will become periodic (rolling monthly) from the start.

• Tenants must give two months’ notice
• Landlords must rely on valid legal grounds to regain possession

This makes tenant selection and referencing more important than ever.

Q. Can tenants leave whenever they want?

Tenants must still give proper notice, and rent remains payable during that period. This isn’t a free-for-all — it’s a more flexible structure, not a loss of control.

Q. Will rents be capped?

No rent caps are being introduced.

• Rent can be increased once per year
• Increases must be reasonable and market-justified
• Tenants can challenge excessive increases

This encourages fair, evidence-based rent reviews, not artificial limits.

Q. What about pets?

Tenants gain a stronger right to request a pet, but landlords:

• Can still refuse with reasonable justification
• Can require appropriate insurance

This is about consideration, not forcing pets into unsuitable properties.

Q. Is this going to increase my costs?

Possibly — if compliance isn’t already up to standard. Landlords who already:

• Maintain their property
• Keep safety certificates up to date
• Follow correct procedures

…are unlikely to see major additional costs. Those cutting corners may face fines or enforcement.

Q. What is the Property Portal?

A new mandatory registration system for rental properties. It’s designed to:

• Improve transparency
• Target rogue landlords
• Protect compliant landlords from unfair competition

Professional agents will handle this as part of ongoing management.

Q. Should I sell now before this comes in?

Not necessarily. Many landlords who sell do so due to:

• Lack of advice
• Poor management
• Misunderstanding the changes

Well-run rental property remains a strong long-term investment, especially as supply tightens.

Q. Is self-management still realistic?

For some — yes.
 But the margin for error is shrinking. Mistakes in:

• Notices
• Paperwork
• Compliance
• Evidence

can be costly and time-consuming. This is why many landlords are choosing professional management for protection and peace of mind.

More information and guidance about the Renters’ Rights Act can be found on the GOV.UK website.

If you are a Landlord in or around Stoke Newington and are unsure of your responsibilities under either the new Renters’ Rights Act or other legislation that you need to abide by do reach out to us. At Oakwood we can provide a fully-managed service which means our experienced team taking responsibility for the complete management of your property. Ideal for first-time or hands-off landlords, it covers everything you might possibly need plus ensuring you have your legal compliance covered.