The Renters Reform Act

The Renters Reform Act: What Self-Managing Landlords Need to Know

 

The Renters Reform Act is now law. These changes represent one of the biggest shifts in the private rental sector in decades.

 

While some details are still being finalised, there are several major changes that landlords should be preparing for now, especially those who self-manage their properties.

 

At KLA Properties, we know many landlords value being hands-on with their portfolio. However, these reforms will bring increased compliance responsibilities, stricter documentation requirements and greater scrutiny from local authorities.

Here’s what landlords need to know.

 

Key Changes In Place from 1st May 2026

 

Service of the Information Sheet

 

This replaces the How to Rent Guide and needed to be issued to every tenant by 31^st May 2026.

 

 

The End of Section 21 Evictions

One of the most significant changes is the removal of Section 21 “no fault” evictions. This means landlords will no longer be able to regain possession of a property without providing a valid legal reason.

 

Instead, all tenancies will move to a single system where possession must be based on specific legal grounds.

 

All Tenancies Becoming Periodic

Fixed-term tenancies have been replaced with periodic tenancies. Under the new law, tenants will be able to give two months’ notice at any time.

 

This will create greater flexibility for tenants, but landlords will need to be more proactive when planning property sales, refurbishments, and tenant change overs.

 

Restrictions on Rent Increases

The reform has introduced stricter rules around how and when rent can be increased. Tenants also have greater ability to challenge rent increases through formal processes.

 

This means landlords will need to ensure any rent adjustments are properly documented, justified, and legally compliant.

 

Stronger Compliance Requirements

Compliance standards are becoming much more rigorous. Landlords will be expected to maintain up-to-date safety certification and provide evidence of ongoing compliance.

This includes documentation such as:

• EPC certificates
• Gas Safety Certificates (GSC)
• Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)
• Deposit registration certificates
• Tenancy agreements

 

Restrictions on Re-Letting After Possession

Landlords using possession grounds for selling or refurbishment may be unable to re-let the property for 12 months afterwards.

Notice periods for landlords have increased to four months, meaning regaining possession could take significantly longer than under the previous system.

 

Additional Changes Expected Later in 2026

 

Landlord Ombudsman & Redress Schemes

All landlords will be required to join a formal redress scheme and complaints process, even if they self-manage.

 

Landlord Compliance Register

Self-managing landlords are expected to be required to register both themselves and their properties on a national compliance database.

 

This will likely involve registration fees and uploading all compliance and tenancy documentation for each tenancy.

 

Local Authority Audits

Local authorities have been given stronger enforcement powers, including the ability to request audits of landlord documentation and compliance records.

Failure to provide correct or up-to-date paperwork could result in fines, enforcement notices, or deadlines for remedial works.

 

What This Means for Self-Managing Landlords

These reforms place far greater emphasis on:

• Accurate record keeping
• Timely compliance
• Clear audit trails
• Understanding possession grounds
• Ongoing legal awareness

For self-managing landlords, keeping up with changing legislation will become increasingly important.

Failure to comply could result in:

• Delays in regaining possession
• Financial penalties
• Tenant disputes
• Invalid notices
• Increased legal risk

 

How KLA Properties Can Help

At KLA Properties, we understand that every landlord wants a different level of involvement. Whether you want occasional compliance support or full management, we can help ensure you stay protected and compliant.

 

One-Off Compliance Check 

Our one-off compliance review includes:

• Compliance documentation check
• Review of current tenancy paperwork
• Issue of the required Information Sheet
• Guidance on any missing requirements

 

Compliance Support Package 

For landlords who wish to continue self-managing but want ongoing support, our compliance package includes:

• Ongoing compliance monitoring
• Documentation checks and updates
• Guidance on legislative changes
• Notice and possession support
• Annual compliance review

(One month’s notice will be required to terminate)

 

Fully Managed Service

For landlords who prefer a more hands-off approach, we also offer a fully managed service with a discretionary discounted rate available for sign-ups of 3+ plus property portfolios.

Our fully managed service includes:

• Full legal compliance
• Rent collection and arrears management
• Tenant communication
• Maintenance coordination
• End-to-end tenancy management

 

Preparing for the Future

The rental landscape is changing rapidly, and preparation is key. Whether you self-manage one property or an entire portfolio, staying compliant will become more important than ever.

 

If you would like advice on how the Renters Reform changes affect your property, or would like support reviewing your current setup, our team is here to help.

 

Get in touch with KLA Properties to discuss the best option for your portfolio and ensure you are fully prepared for the changes ahead.