The rental market is about to see its biggest change in decades. On 27 October 2025, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 officially became law. For many Burnham and Taplow landlords, this might feel like just another piece of news. However, this Act will completely change how you manage your property. The first major phase starts on 1 May 2026.
Most landlords in our area only own one or two properties. You might not have the time to read through hundreds of pages of new rules. That is why we have put together this simple guide in collaboration with the local letting agents Langley. It explains exactly what is happening and what you must do to stay on the right side of the law. Ignoring these changes could lead to heavy fines, so it is important to be ready well before the May deadline.
The End of Section 21 No-Fault Evictions
The most famous part of this new law is the abolition of Section 21. Currently, a landlord can ask a tenant to leave at the end of a fixed term without giving a reason. This will no longer be possible after 1 May 2026. From that date, every tenancy will be "periodic." This means they just roll on from month to month with no set end date.
If you want to get your property back, you will now need a specific legal reason. This is known as a Section 8 notice. The government has updated these reasons to help landlords. For example, if you want to sell the property or move back into it yourself, you can still do that. However, you will usually need to give the tenant four months' notice. You also cannot use these reasons during the first year of a new tenancy. It is a big shift in how we think about "owning" a rental home.
New Rules for Rent and Pet Requests
The Act also changes how you handle money and pets. You will only be able to increase the rent once every year. To do this, you must use a formal "Section 13" notice and give the tenant two months' notice. You can no longer include automatic rent increases in your contracts. Tenants will also have more power to challenge increases if they think the price is higher than the local market rate.
When it comes to pets, the balance has shifted. You can no longer have a blanket "no pets" policy. If a tenant asks to keep a pet, you must consider it. You can only say no if you have a very good reason. To protect landlords, the law now allows you to require the tenant to have pet damage insurance. This helps cover the cost if a cat or dog causes issues in the house.
Ending Discrimination in the Rental Market
Another key part of the Renters' Rights Act is the ban on "DSS bans." It will be illegal to have a policy that refuses tenants simply because they receive benefits. You also cannot refuse people just because they have children. The goal is to make sure everyone has a fair chance to find a home.
In Burnham, we have a diverse range of tenants. Most landlords already judge people based on their ability to pay and their references. These new rules just make that the official law. You will still be able to carry out affordability checks. However, you must make sure your adverts do not use phrases that exclude these groups. If you are unsure, your property management team in Burnham can check your listings for you.
Your Checklist Before May 2026
There are several things you should do right now to prepare. First, look at your current tenancy agreements. If you have a tenant on a fixed term that ends after May 2026, it will automatically become a rolling periodic tenancy on 1 May. You do not need to sign a new contract, but you must provide your tenant with a government "Information Sheet" by 31 May 2026.
You should also review how you collect rent. The new law caps "rent in advance" to a maximum of one month. If you usually ask for six months of rent upfront, you will not be able to do this for any new tenancies starting after May. It is also a good time to check your property condition. The "Decent Homes Standard" will soon apply to private rentals too. Making sure your boiler is serviced and your EPC is up to date now will save you stress later.
Why Local Knowledge Matters More Than Ever
With so many new rules, the risk of making a mistake is much higher. Local letting agents Burnham are spending a lot of time studying these changes. We know the specific forms you need to use and the exact dates you need to hit. A small error in a notice could mean a court throws out your case, leaving you stuck with a problem tenant for even longer.
Using a professional for property management in Burnham is the best way to stay safe. We keep a digital trail of every notice served and every repair made. This "paper trail" will be vital under the new system. If a tenant challenges a rent increase or a notice to leave, you will need proof that you followed every step of the law. We handle that burden so you do not have to.
Looking Ahead to the New Digital System
The changes do not stop in May 2026. Later that year, the government plans to launch a new Private Rented Sector Database. Every landlord will have to register themselves and their properties on this system. There will also be a new Landlord Ombudsman. This will be a service where tenants can complain if they feel they have been treated unfairly.
While this sounds like a lot of extra work, it is designed to remove "rogue" landlords from the market. For the honest, professional landlords in Burnham, it is a chance to show that you provide high-quality homes. Being registered and compliant will become a badge of honour. It shows tenants that your property is a safe and legal place to live.
Stay Informed and Stay Protected
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is a massive shift, but it is manageable if you start preparing now. The key is to stay informed. Don't wait until April 2026 to start thinking about your properties. By acting today, you can make sure your investment remains profitable and legal.
We are here to help you navigate these waters. Whether you have questions about the new Section 8 grounds or need help updating your tenancy terms, we have the answers. Our goal is to make sure Burnham remains a great place for both landlords and tenants to thrive.
