Landlord news
Renters' Rights Bill — what landlords need to know in 2026
The Renters' Rights Bill brings the biggest changes to private lettings in a generation. Here's what the practical impact looks like for Pendle landlords.
What's changing
- Section 21 abolition — no more "no-fault" evictions. Possession requires a Section 8 ground.
- Periodic tenancies — fixed-term ASTs replaced by open-ended tenancies; tenants can give two months' notice any time.
- Landlord ombudsman — every private landlord must register and pay an annual fee.
- Property portal — central database of landlords and properties.
What it means in practice
The biggest change is mindset. Where Section 21 gave you certainty about regaining possession, you now need a documented Section 8 ground — rent arrears, breach of contract, or selling up. Good record-keeping matters more than ever.
What we're advising landlords to do now
- Audit your tenancy agreements with our team — make sure clauses align with the new rules.
- Tighten referencing. With Section 21 gone, the right tenant matters more.
- Register for the property portal as soon as the rollout dates are confirmed.
If you'd like a one-to-one walkthrough, get in touch with our Colne lettings team — we're booking 30-minute sessions throughout April and May.
