DATE: May 2026
If you own a rental property in Devon, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 affects you right now.
The Act received Royal Assent in October 2025 and its core changes came into force on 1 May 2026 — which means if you haven’t reviewed your tenancies yet, now is the time. Don’t worry though — we’re here to guide you through it.
Here’s a plain-English breakdown of what’s changed.
## 1. Section 21 ‘No-Fault’ Evictions Are Gone
This is the biggest change. You can no longer serve a Section 21 notice to end a tenancy without giving a reason.
If you need to end a tenancy, you’ll now need to use Section 8 and cite a valid legal reason (called a “possession ground”). The good news is the list of grounds has been expanded — you can still take back your property if you want to sell it, move in yourself, move in a family member, or if the tenant has rent arrears or causes anti-social behaviour.
It’s a bigger process than before, which is exactly why having a professional agent in your corner matters more than ever.
## 2. All Tenancies Are Now Rolling (Periodic)
Fixed-term tenancies are effectively a thing of the past. All assured tenancies are now periodic — meaning they roll on month to month (or week to week) with no fixed end date.
Tenants can end their tenancy by giving two months’ notice at any time. As a landlord, you can only end the tenancy by using one of the possession grounds mentioned above.
## 3. Rent Increases Are Now Restricted
You can only increase the rent once per year, and you must give at least two months’ notice of any increase.
Rent rises must also reflect market rates — tenants have the right to challenge any increase they consider excessive via a tribunal.
## 4. No More Rental Bidding Wars
You must stick to your advertised rent. You cannot accept or encourage offers above the asking price from prospective tenants.
## 5. Blanket Bans on Benefits or Children Are Now Illegal
From 1 May 2026, it is unlawful to refuse a tenant simply because they receive housing benefits or have children. You also cannot set indirect conditions (such as requiring “professional employment only”) that would effectively rule these tenants out.
## 6. One Month’s Rent Upfront — Maximum
You can no longer ask tenants for multiple months’ rent in advance as a condition of the tenancy. The maximum you can request upfront is one month’s rent.
## 7. Pets — You Must Consider Requests Fairly
Tenants now have the right to request permission to keep a pet, and you must consider that request reasonably. You cannot issue a blanket ban on pets.
## What’s Still to Come
The Act is being rolled out in phases. Coming in later phases:
- A new national Private Rented Sector Database — landlords will need to register their properties (mandatory registration expected around 2028)
- A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman — a free, legally binding dispute resolution service
- Awaab’s Law extended to private rentals — landlords will face strict timeframes to fix hazards like damp and mould
- Decent Homes Standard — minimum property condition requirements for the private rented sector
- EPC C energy efficiency requirements — expected by 2030
## What This Means For You As A Devon Landlord
If you self-manage your property, this legislation means more paperwork, stricter processes, and greater legal risk if you get it wrong.
If you’re with Eden Lettings on a fully managed or part managed service, we’re already on top of all of this. We’ve updated our tenancy agreements, processes and procedures to be fully compliant from day one.
Not with us yet? Now might be the perfect time to talk.
We’re Here To Help
At Eden Lettings, keeping you compliant isn’t an add-on — it’s core to everything we do. Whether you have questions about your existing tenancy, want to know how the changes affect your specific situation, or are thinking about switching to a managed service, we’re always happy to have a no-obligation chat.
📞 Call us or visit eden-lettings.co.uk/contact-us
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