There is something undeniably special about owning property in South Devon. Whether it’s a Victorian terrace in the heart of Torquay, a coastal retreat in Brixham, or a family home in the bustling market town of Newton Abbot, the lifestyle here is the real "show-stopper." We wake up to the salt air of the English Riviera and the rolling green hills of Teignbridge, knowing that for our tenants, these aren't just buildings, they are the backdrops to their lives.
However, as we move through 2026, the landscape of being a landlord has shifted. The "casual landlord" era has effectively drawn to a close, replaced by a professionalised sector defined by the Renters’ Rights Act. For many local property owners, the question is no longer "Can I manage this myself?" but rather "How do I protect my investment while staying on the right side of the law?"
At Butterworth Sales and Lettings, we believe that professional management isn't just about collecting rent; it’s about peace of mind. Here is our guide to navigating this new era in Torbay and Teignbridge.
The 2026 Landscape: A Technical Breakdown
Please Quote DB0925 when enquiring about our management services.
The implementation of the Renters' Rights Act has fundamentally changed the "rhythm" of a tenancy. If you are currently self-managing, the technicalities of the new regime require a sharp eye for detail. Here is the breakdown of what has changed:
The End of the Fixed Term
The most significant shift is the transition to Assured Periodic Tenancies. The traditional 6-month or 12-month "fixed term" is a thing of the past. All tenancies in Torbay and Teignbridge are now rolling periodic agreements from day one.
- The Tenant Hook: Tenants can now serve two months' notice to leave at any time. This means your property must always be "tenant-ready" and your marketing strategy must be agile enough to handle shorter notice periods without long void gaps.
- The Landlord Hook: While you lose the "guaranteed" term, the new system encourages higher quality housing and better relationships, which in the long run, creates more stable communities in areas like Teignmouth and Dawlish.
The Abolition of Section 21
The "no-fault" eviction is gone. To regain possession of your property, you must now use specific Section 8 grounds. Whether you intend to sell the property, move back in yourself, or deal with significant rent arrears, the evidential burden has increased. You can no longer simply issue a notice because a term has ended; you must follow a strictly technical path through the courts or tribunal system.
Annual Rent Reviews
Rent increases are no longer a conversation over a garden fence. Under the new Act, rent can only be increased once per year via the formal Section 13 process, requiring two months' notice. Furthermore, the practice of "bidding wars", where prospective tenants offer above the asking price to secure a home, is now prohibited. Properties must be marketed at a set price, and that is the price they must be let at.
The Butterworth Difference: Fairness as Standard
In a market that feels increasingly regulated, we focus on what hasn't changed: the value of a well-maintained home and an honest relationship. At Butterworth Sales and Lettings, we operate with a core philosophy of transparency that sets us apart from the traditional high-street model.
No Hidden Costs, No Markups
One of the biggest frustrations landlords face is the "hidden" cost of maintenance. Many agencies will add a 10% or 15% markup to a contractor's bill. If a plumber in Paignton charges £100 for a repair, some agents will bill the landlord £115.
We don't do that.
We believe in a "no hidden costs" policy. We don't mark up contractor bills. If a repair costs £100, you pay £100. Our trade partners are vetted for quality and value, and we pass those savings directly to you. We manage your property as if it were our own, ensuring that maintenance is a "show-stopper" for the tenant’s experience without being a drain on your yields.
Local Expertise in Torbay & Teignbridge
Covering everything from the harbourside in Brixham to the heights of Newton Abbot, our team lives and breathes the local market. We understand the specific nuances of South Devon, the seasonal shifts in demand, the importance of "pet-friendly" policies under the new legislation, and the exact market rent that will attract a high-quality tenant without falling foul of the new "rent bidding" bans.
Our Four Tiers of Service
Whether you are a seasoned investor with a portfolio across Devon or a first-time landlord in Torquay, we have a service tier designed to match your level of involvement.
1. Let Only (Introduction Service)
For the landlord who enjoys the day-to-day management but wants the "show-stopper" marketing and rigorous vetting that only a professional agency can provide.
- What’s included: High-quality photography, Rightmove listing, accompanied viewings, and comprehensive tenant referencing.
- The Cost: £695 inc VAT (one-off fee).
2. Tenancy Management
Our most popular choice for landlords in Teignbridge. We take the technical burden off your shoulders, handling the legalities of the Renters' Rights Act so you don't have to.
- What’s included: Rent collection, regular inspections, maintenance coordination (with no markups!), and serving of all legal notices.
- The Cost: £595 inc VAT setup fee + 12% total monthly commission.
3. VIP Tenancy Management
The ultimate peace of mind. In an era where Section 21 has been abolished, the risk of a "bad" tenancy is higher. Our VIP service includes a Rent Guarantee and Eviction Warranty.
- What’s included: Everything in Tenancy Management, plus protection against rent arrears and the legal costs of regaining possession.
- The Cost: £595 inc VAT setup fee + 16.2% total monthly commission.
4. Landlord Rescue Service
Have you found yourself with a "problem" tenancy? Perhaps you tried to self-manage and have been caught out by the 2026 legislative changes? Our Rescue Service is designed to stabilise your tenancy and bring it back into compliance.
- What’s included: A full audit of your current tenancy, correction of documentation, and a transition into professional management.
- The Cost: £300 total setup fee.
Why Settle for Less?
The rental market in Torbay and Teignbridge remains a stable and attractive alternative to the often-volatile sales market. While we avoid the "positive spin" of rising house prices, recognising that the market has softened, the demand for high-quality rental homes in South Devon is as strong as ever.
Professional management in 2026 isn't a luxury; it’s a strategy for risk mitigation. By choosing Butterworth Sales and Lettings, you aren't just hiring a clerk to collect rent. You are partnering with a team that understands the "feel" of a home, the technicalities of the law, and the absolute necessity of transparent, honest business practices.
From the initial entrance through the front door to the final inspection of the gardens, we treat your property with the respect it deserves. We are sharp, we are helpful, and we are your local experts.
Further Information
Please Quote Reference: DB0925
Butterworth Sales and Lettings
- Address: 5 Ferndale Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 6JT
- Phone: 01803 262772
- Email: claire@butterworth-lettings.co.uk
- Website: www.butterworth-lettings.co.uk
- Service Areas: Torbay (Torquay, Paignton, Brixham) and Teignbridge (Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Kingsteignton).
- Accreditations: Member of the Property Ombudsman and Client Money Protection (CMP) schemes.
Key Features of our Management:
- Four service tiers: Let Only, Tenancy Management, VIP, and Landlord Rescue.
- Strict "No Contractor Markup" policy.
- Full compliance with the Renters’ Rights Act 2026.
- Rent Guarantee and Eviction Warranty available.
- Local, friendly, and professional team.