08/06/2026
The Renters' Rights Act is now in force. We've broken the act down into a few clear steps that every south west London landlord should know:
Here's what changed on 1st May 2026:
→ Fixed-term tenancies are gone. All new tenancies are now rolling and periodic. (Your tenant can give two months' notice at any point, even from day one).
→ Section 21 "no-fault" evictions no longer exist. If you need possession, you'll need to use updated Section 8 grounds (for example, selling the property or moving back in yourself).
→ Rent increases are now limited to once a year, with two months' formal notice (tenants can challenge increases they consider excessive).
→ Pet requests must now be properly considered - refusing without a valid reason isn't an option.
→ You must register on the new national Property Portal and join a Landlord Ombudsman scheme. These aren't optional steps, failure to comply can result in civil penalties of up to £40,000.
The good news however, is that done right, this reform should mean better tenants, fewer voids - and overall, a more professional market.
At Swift, we've already updated our processes, documentation and tenant screening to reflect the new rules. If you're managing your property yourself, or working with an agent who hasn't mentioned any of this, it's worth having a conversation.
If there is anything we can do to help you with compliance or navigating these regulations, we are happy to talk.
