If you're a landlord in Torbay or Teignbridge, you've probably heard whispers about the Renters' Rights Act. Maybe you've seen a few headlines, heard some chatter at a local property event, or received a slightly panicked phone call from a fellow landlord. The truth is, this is one of the biggest shake-ups to the private rental sector in decades, and it's coming into force on 1 May 2026.
But here's the thing: change doesn't have to be scary. Yes, there's a lot to get your head around, but with the right support and a bit of forward planning, you can navigate these new rules with confidence. That's exactly what we're here to help with.
Let's break down what the Renters' Rights Act actually means for you as a landlord in our corner of Devon.
The Big One: Goodbye Section 21
Let's start with the headline change, the one that's got everyone talking. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 "no-fault" evictions are being abolished.
For years, Section 21 has been the go-to tool for landlords who needed to regain possession of their property without having to prove any fault on the tenant's part. It was straightforward, predictable, and, let's be honest, pretty landlord-friendly.
That's all changing now.
Under the new rules, you'll only be able to evict tenants using Section 8 notices, which require you to have specific legal grounds. These include things like:
- Rent arrears
- Anti-social behaviour
- Breach of tenancy terms
- You genuinely need to sell the property
- You or a family member wants to move in
It's a significant shift, and it means landlords will need to be much more careful about documentation and following proper procedures. If you're working with a trusted letting agent in Torbay or letting agent in Teignbridge, they'll be able to guide you through exactly what evidence you'll need and how to stay compliant.
Fixed-Term Tenancies Are Out, Rolling Tenancies Are In
Here's another change that might catch some landlords off guard. Under the Renters' Rights Act, all fixed-term assured tenancies will automatically convert to periodic (rolling) tenancies.
What does this mean in practice? Well, tenants will be able to leave with just two months' notice at any point. There's no more locking someone into a 12-month contract.
For landlords, this might feel a bit unsettling at first, after all, we all like a bit of certainty. But it's worth remembering that most good tenants aren't itching to move every few months. If you're providing a well-maintained property and treating your tenants fairly, they're likely to stick around.
The key here is to focus on what you can control: keeping your property in great condition, being responsive to issues, and building a positive relationship with your tenants. That's where professional property management in Torbay or property management in Teignbridge can really make a difference.
New Rules Around Rent
The Renters' Rights Act introduces several changes to how rent works, and these are important ones to get your head around.
Upfront Rent Limits
From May 2026, you can only ask for one month's rent in advance from new tenants. If you've been in the habit of asking for several months upfront (particularly from tenants without a UK rental history), this will require a rethink.
Advertising Restrictions
When you advertise your property, you'll need to state the rent amount clearly, and you cannot accept offers above the advertised price. No more rental bidding wars, in other words.
Rent Increases
Rent increases will be limited to once per year, with a minimum gap of 52 weeks between increases. You'll also need to give tenants two months' notice (up from the current one month).
On top of that, tenants will have the right to challenge what they consider excessive rent increases at the First-tier Tribunal, and here's the kicker: the tribunal won't be able to increase the rent beyond what the landlord originally proposed. It's a one-way street.
The Right to Request a Pet
This one tends to divide opinion, but it's now part of the law: tenants will have the right to request to keep a pet, and landlords must consider the request fairly.
Now, "consider fairly" doesn't mean you have to say yes to every request. If there are genuine reasons why a pet wouldn't be suitable: perhaps the property has a communal garden with restrictions, or there are concerns about the type of animal: you can still refuse. But you'll need to have a reasonable justification.
For many landlords in Torbay and Teignbridge, this won't be a huge issue. Plenty of properties are perfectly suited to pets, and tenants with well-behaved animals often make excellent, long-term renters. It's all about assessing each request on its own merits.
The 12-Month Protected Period
Here's something that's easy to overlook but really important. The new rules introduce a 12-month protected period at the start of every tenancy.
During this time, you cannot evict a tenant on the grounds that you want to sell the property or move in yourself. If you do need to use these grounds after the protected period, you'll need to give four months' notice.
This is designed to give tenants more security in their homes: but it does mean landlords need to think carefully before letting a property. If there's any chance you might need to sell or move back in within the first year, it's worth having a conversation with a professional letting agent in Teignbridge or letting agent in Torbay before you sign anyone up.
Enforcement: What Happens If You Get It Wrong?
The government isn't messing about when it comes to enforcement. Local councils will have the power to impose civil penalties for non-compliance, and the fines are significant:
- £7,000 for initial or minor breaches
- Up to £40,000 for serious or repeat offences
- Criminal prosecution with unlimited fines in the worst cases
And it doesn't stop there. From late 2026, landlords will need to register themselves and each property on a new mandatory PRS (Private Rented Sector) Database. If you're not registered, you won't be able to seek possession of your property.
There's also a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman Scheme on the horizon, expected to become compulsory by 2028. This will give tenants another avenue to raise complaints: so staying on top of your responsibilities has never been more important.
What Should Torbay & Teignbridge Landlords Do Now?
With 1 May 2026 fast approaching, now is the time to start preparing. Here's a quick checklist to get you started:
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Review your tenancy agreements – Make sure they're compliant with the new rules and ready for the switch to periodic tenancies.
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Get your documentation in order – If you ever need to use Section 8 grounds, you'll need clear evidence. Start keeping detailed records now.
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Check your property's condition – The Decent Homes Standard is being extended to the private sector. Make sure your property meets the required standards.
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Think about your long-term plans – If you're considering selling or moving back into a property, factor in the 12-month protected period.
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Talk to a professional – Whether it's understanding the new rent rules or preparing for the PRS Database, having expert support makes everything easier.
How Daniel Butterworth Can Help
Look, we get it: this is a lot to take in. But you don't have to figure it all out on your own.
At Daniel Butterworth, we specialise in property management in Torbay and property management in Teignbridge, and we're here to help landlords like you navigate these changes with confidence. From ensuring your properties are compliant to handling tenant requests and keeping you on the right side of the new rules, we've got your back.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or just want a friendly chat about what this all means for your portfolio, get in touch with us. We're always happy to help.
And if you want to make sure you're not making any of the common mistakes we see landlords making, check out our guide to property management mistakes Teignbridge landlords keep making.
The rental landscape is changing: but with the right support, there's no reason you can't thrive in this new era.