Landlord Update: The 2026 Renting Reforms
The landscape for private landlords in England is set for a significant shift. The Government has recently launched a campaign to prepare the industry for the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act, which is scheduled to take effect on 1st May 2026.
At Bricks And Motor, we believe it is vital for our clients to stay ahead of legislative changes - not just for compliance, but because these changes can directly impact your insurance requirements and risk profile.
At Bricks And Motor, we believe it is vital for our clients to stay ahead of legislative changes - not just for compliance, but because these changes can directly impact your insurance requirements and risk profile.
Key Changes Coming in May 2026
The reforms aim to provide more security for tenants while modernising the way landlords manage their properties. Here are the core updates you need to be aware of:
- Abolition of Section 21: 'No-fault' evictions will be removed. Landlords will only be able to end a tenancy using specific, legally valid possession grounds (such as wanting to sell the property or move back into it).
- Move to Rolling Tenancies: Fixed-term tenancies will be banned. Most tenancies will become "assured periodic tenancies," meaning they continue until the tenant gives notice or the landlord has a valid legal reason to end it.
- Rental Bidding Ban: Landlords and agents must include a specific price in advertisements and will be prohibited from accepting offers above that asking price.
- Pet Requests: Landlords will be required to consider tenant requests to keep a pet and cannot unreasonably refuse. However, you will be able to require insurance to cover potential pet damage.
- Rent Increases: Increases will be limited to once per year, and landlords must follow a new legal process, including providing two months' notice.
How to Prepare
The Government has advised that for tenancies existing before 1st May 2026, landlords must provide tenants with a new digital or paper "information sheet" by 31st May 2026.
Find Out More
We highly recommend that all our landlord clients familiarise themselves with the full guidance provided by the Housing Hub to ensure they are compliant before the deadline.
Read the full Government guidance here: Renting is Changing - Housing Hub
If you have questions about Property Owners Insurance or any other Insurance related matter then please call us to discuss.
