RF&O Lettings

29/07/2026

The new rules that came in as of the 1st May 2026 mean landlords may only increase rent once per year / 12 month period.

They must do this by using a formal Section 13 Notice whilst providing at least 2 months’ notice.

The increase must be in-line with the local market prices. This is the talking point as 'market value' is a discussion in itself...

For any queries, give us a call

23/07/2026

Britain has a new Prime Minister: Mr Andy Burnham.
As 7th PM in a decade and a landlord himself, his appointment has sparked debate about what it could mean for property investors.

Burnham’s record sends mixed signals. As Mayor of Greater Manchester, he backed measures such as rent controls, higher fines for non-compliant landlords and stronger housing standards. He has also argued that land is undertaxed and previously suggested replacing stamp duty with a land value tax. These positions have led some landlords to worry about a tougher regulatory environment.

However, Burnham has also supported grants to improve energy efficiency, championed better standards through the Good Landlord Charter and consistently argued for greater devolution, infrastructure investment and regional economic growth. His record suggests he favours both incentives and enforcement rather than being simply anti-landlord.

Rent controls remain a big concern. Burnham has previously endorsed measures to limit rent increases but Scotland’s experience has shown the potential downsides, including reduced investment, lower housing supply and continued rent growth. With Labour committed to its current manifesto, introducing similar controls in England and Wales may not be a priority.

On tax, Burnham has criticised stamp duty and expressed interest in replacing it with a land value tax. While abolishing stamp duty may be welcomed by many, the overall impact would depend on what replaced it, making any potential changes difficult to judge.

Perhaps Burnham’s strongest track record is on regional growth. During his time as Mayor, Greater Manchester experienced economic expansion and house price growth, driven by long-term regeneration, local decision-making and investment. If similar policies are rolled out nationally, landlords may benefit from stronger regional economies and increased housing development.

Ultimately, while Burnham’s rhetoric may have unsettled landlords, his actions may prove more pragmatic. The biggest challenge is likely to be uncertainty rather than any single policy.

For now, landlords are best served by staying informed and avoiding knee-jerk reactions.

14/07/2026

Since the 1st May 2026 you can only give your tenant notice, under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 to end the tenancy.

This means that you will need to have a valid reason, known as a ground for possession, to end the tenancy.
(We have posts on the specific grounds coming soon)

For a section 8 notice to be valid:
You will need to use Form 3A. It must have included the right amount of notice.

You need to fully set out the cause of use of the ground on which you intend to rely and the reasons why you think the ground applies.

It is important to fill in your notice of possession (Form 3A) correctly. If you need to take court action, your claim could be dismissed or delayed if the notice of possession is incomplete or inaccurate.

10/07/2026

Previous tenancy agreements may have allowed a landlord to evict a tenant without a specific reason, this was known as a Section 21 eviction.

Since the 1st of May 26 this is no longer possible and the use of a Section 21 does not apply.

Instead a landlord will need a legal reason to evict a tenant. These reasons are known as ‘grounds for possession’.

We will go into grounds in more detail in the near future but a quick summary is as follows:

• If the tenant /’s have not paid your rent on time

• If the tenant /’s, others living with the tenant, or visitors commit antisocial behaviour in or near the property

• If the tenant /’s, or others living with the tenant, do not care for the property properly

• If the tenancy was for certain purposes, for example it was connected to your employment, or was for temporary or supported accommodation

A tenant cannot be required to leave under some grounds for the first 12 months of a tenancy.

These are:

• if the landlord intends to sell the property

• if the landlord or their family member wants to move into the property

06/07/2026

R&FO have won the British Property Award for 2025-26...

You may recognise this award as we have posted about it before.

We have now won this in:
2020-2021,
2022-2023,
2023-2024,
2024-2025
& Now
2025-2026.

Very proud of the whole team!

30/06/2026

The term ‘Assured Shorthold Tenancy’ (AST) was the name of the private rented tenancy system until 1st of May 2026, AST’s have now been abolished.
Any tenancy previously called an AST will automatically become an ‘Assured Periodic Tenancy’ (APT). The tenancy has not ended because of this change and will continue on under the new guidelines.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about these guidelines

25/06/2026

Since the 1st of May 2026, a tenant has the right to request to keep a pet. The landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. If the landlord does refuse then they will have to confirm in writing and disclose the reason why. Each request must be handled as a new request and dealt with on a case by case basis. A tenant can challenge the landlord’s decision in court.

17/06/2026

12/04/2025

Wistanes Green, Wessington

Rent: £1250 pcm
Deposit: £1440

Key features
Sought After Village Location
Master Bedroom with En-Suite
Three Spacious Double Bedrooms
Drive Way with Off-Road Parking
Enclosed Rear Garden
Garage
Idyllic Location
Viewing Highly Recommended
Integrated Kitchen Appliances
Excellent Transport Links

Contact us today to arrange a viewing 01773 609446