The Renters’ Rights Act – A 2026 refresher for landlords

Landlords in the UK and London have a clear roadmap for implementing all the updated regulations laid out by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Here’s a refresher on how things are shaping up for landlords in the private rental sector in 2026.

After getting cleared by both Houses of Parliament and receiving Royal Assent in late October last year, the Renters’ Rights Act became a law in the UK. In 2026, UK and London landlords already have a clear roadmap for implementing the landmark changes introduced to the private rental sector (PRS). Since this is no longer something ‘new’ and already a part of the broader rental landscape, such as property licensing and other compliance obligations, professional landlords just need to adapt to the guidelines set out in the legal framework.

This refresher cuts through all the noise and focuses on what actually matters for landlords looking to adhere to the new guidelines.

If you’ve missed our earlier updates, here’s our comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about the Renters’ Rights Act.

What hasn’t changed under the UK Renters’ Rights Act 2026 (And why that matters)

Despite regulatory changes to rental agreement terms, London property market’s fundamentals remain strong.

Demand exceeds supply

Despite supply improving in early 2026, the number of homes available to rent is still far short of meeting actual demand. According to Rightmove’s rental tracker, there’s an average of seven enquiries per property in London.

A long-term necessity

Renting remains a necessity for millions of Londoners who temporarily relocate to the city for work and academic pursuits, as well as for potential first-time buyers who are forced to rent due to affordability constraints.

Well-presented homes continue to outperform

High-quality properties that comply with all regulations and are located in high-demand areas continue to attract tenant interest.

While the Act has changed a few regulations within the sector, overall supply constraints and demand for quality homes continue to dominate the market.

The Renters’ Rights Act in practice – A 2026 snapshot

After years of discussions and debates around the legislation, the Act is now far more practical than political as landlords and tenants adjust to the rules.

Periodic tenancies

As fixed-term tenancies are replaced by more stable periodic tenancies, landlords and tenants have greater clarity about their rights and responsibilities.

Clarity on possession rules

Landlords now have clear rules on what to do when serving a Section 8 notice to obtain possession, as Section 21 “no fault” evictions are no longer allowed.

Higher expectations from tenants

The Act also gives tenants more faith in the system because they can now expect landlords to be more transparent, with set rules for maintenance.

In practice, the Act has formalised what good landlords were already doing.

Landlords who have adapted early are not facing any major issues, while badly managed stock is slipping behind.

How to future-proof your rental property in 2026

Future-proofing in 2026 is less about reacting to regulation and more about running lettings professionally.

Picking and retaining the right tenants

While landlords need to be careful when referencing tenant profiles, they also need to ensure the tenants they choose have a pleasant experience for consistent income. Longer tenancies also reduce void periods and help landlords build a strong reputation.

Realistic pricing for long-term gains

Asking rents that align with key main market indices, such as the neighbourhood average and overall price trends, will yield steady income over time.

Professional management is no longer an option

The Act has also increased the operational burden on landlords who need to adhere to stricter and more professional letting guidelines. For individual, portfolio or overseas landlords, complying with all these regulations without hands-on local support can get extremely challenging.

At Benham and Reeves, our 21 letting branches in London are committed and fully equipped to help landlords stay on top of all new mandates introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act. In addition to thorough tenant referencing, our experts also take care of:

• Ongoing compliance tracking
• Correct notice handling
• Structured rent reviews
• Dispute prevention and early resolution

You can check out our complete range of leasing and property management services for London landlords.

Why professional landlords shouldn’t worry

While the Act has tightened regulations, it has also added more clarity for professional landlords looking to build their portfolios and succeed in the long run.

No more accidental landlords

Letting a property is no longer a temporary solution for homeowners who cannot sell in a slow market or who need to temporarily move out. It is a long-term commitment which needs a strategic approach.

Better stock on the market

Poorly managed properties that do not comply with the rigid safety and maintenance guidelines will be steadily filtered out, leaving well-organised and better-run portfolios with less competition.

More borrowing opportunities

Landlords with a good track record will find it easier to get mortgages as lenders favour compliant and professional landlords.

For those landlords still active in London’s thriving buy-to-let (BTL) sector in 2026, the new regulations support well-run property letting ventures.

If you are a new landlord, here’s a detailed lettings guide to help you get started.

The role of a proactive lettings agent in 2026

appropriate insurance to protect landlords’ property and income.

Here’s a detailed compliance checklist for London landlords.

It’s all about the right future-proofing mindset

The Renters’ Rights Act hasn’t disrupted or broken the rental market. It has only made it more professional by increasing accountability and ensuring a safer home for tenants. London’s rental market remains a fundamentally robust space for investment, and with the right strategy and support, landlords in the UK capital can continue to earn good returns from their assets.

Thinking about how best to future-proof your London rental portfolio?

Speak to our lettings experts for practical, property-specific advice.