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  "path": "/lifestyle/property/property-renters-right-act-law-change-landlord-tenant",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-07T10:31:19.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Tax raid FAILS as councils face losing £383million despite charge on second homes",
    "Retirement plans at risk as over-55s forced to sell properties ahead of Labour crackdown",
    "HMRC steps up property valuation scrutiny as MILLIONS face financial consequences",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nThe majority of the provisions within the Renters’ Rights Act came into force last Friday, and many people now assume landlords can no longer evict tenants. That is not correct.\n\nThe reality is that landlords will still be able to regain possession of their property, but the process is changing.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSection 21 “no fault” evictions are being abolished, meaning the focus now shifts to specific legal grounds for possession, such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or a landlord genuinely needing to sell the property or move back in themselves.\n\nIf you are concerned about how the changes could affect you, there are some important points to keep in mind.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n#### Protect yourself during disputes\n\nKeep everything in writing, pay your rent on time, and document any disagreements or maintenance issues. A clear paper trail can make all the difference if problems arise.\n\n#### Budget for rent increases\n\nDo not assume the reforms mean rents will stop rising. Rental prices are still driven by supply and demand. If more landlords leave the market because of higher costs or uncertainty, available housing could shrink, and rents may increase further.\n\nBuild room into your budget for a potential annual rent rise so you are not caught off guard.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n#### Understand notice periods\n\nRenters will still need to give proper notice and follow the correct process when leaving a property. You cannot simply move out halfway through a rental period without consequences.\n\n#### Planning to move? Protect yourself\n\nIf you intend to leave, serve notice correctly, make sure it is acknowledged, and keep copies of all communication. You may still be liable for rent during the notice period and could face deductions if the property is not left in good condition.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n#\n\n\n  * Tax raid FAILS as councils face losing £383million despite charge on second homes\n  * Retirement plans at risk as over-55s forced to sell properties ahead of Labour crackdown\n  * HMRC steps up property valuation scrutiny as MILLIONS face financial consequences\n\n\n\n##\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n#### Check your tenancy documents carefully\n\nMake sure your tenancy agreement, deposit protection information, and inventory reports are all accurate and up to date. Errors or missing paperwork can create unnecessary disputes later on.\n\n#### Keep records of property condition\n\nTake photographs when you move in and when you leave. Report repairs in writing and keep a timeline of when issues were raised and how they were handled.\n\nAnother common myth surrounding the new law is that landlords will now be forced to accept pets in every property. In reality, the aim is simply to make it easier for tenants to request a pet.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThere is no automatic right to keep one in every home. The Act will also not eliminate rogue landlords overnight. Stronger rules are important, but enforcement will remain the real challenge.\n\nIf local councils are under-resourced, poor landlords may still slip through the cracks.\n\nGood landlords have always aimed to do the right thing, but the reforms should make it easier for tenants to challenge unacceptable standards and poor practice.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nRenters deserve greater security and decent living standards, but there is also a risk that reducing supply could push rents even higher.\n\nThe intention behind the reforms is to protect responsible tenants while avoiding a court system overwhelmed by lengthy legal disputes.\n\nProperty expert Jonathan Rolande is the founder of House Buy Fast.\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "New rental law changes explained by a property expert - what renters and landlords need to know"
}