For London landlords, the “Spring bounce” usually brings a sense of renewal to the property market. However, April 2026 feels a little different. We are officially in the final countdown to May 1st, the date the Renters’ Rights Act fundamentally rewrites the rules of the Private Rented Sector (PRS).
If you own a rental portfolio, the window to audit your documentation and strategy is closing fast. At Anderson Wilde & Harris, we’re already seeing a surge in inquiries from clients concerned about how these changes will impact their Property Valuations and long-term yields.
The End of the “Fixed Term”
From May 1st, the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) as we know it will effectively vanish. All existing tenancies will automatically convert into Assured Periodic Tenancies.
What does this actually mean for you?
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No more “No-Fault” Evictions: Section 21 is being abolished. You can no longer simply issue a two-month notice to regain possession at the end of a term.
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The Move to “Rolling” Contracts: Fixed terms are a thing of the past. All tenancies will roll month-to-month, giving tenants the right to end the agreement with two months’ notice at any time.
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Grounds for Possession: To regain your property, you must now rely on specific “Section 8” grounds—such as wanting to sell the property or moving back in yourself—all of which require strict evidence and longer notice periods (typically 4 months).
Why Your Documentation Needs an Audit Now
Don’t wait until May 1st to realise your tenancy agreements are out of date. Under the new Act, landlords are legally required to provide a written statement of terms and a government-prescribed information sheet to all existing tenants by May 31st. Failure to comply doesn’t just lead to fines; it could paralyse your ability to manage the property effectively.
Furthermore, contractual rent review clauses are being overridden. Moving forward, rent increases can only happen once a year via a formal Section 13 notice, and tenants have enhanced rights to challenge these at a tribunal.
How AWH Protects Your Investment
Navigating this legislative shift requires more than just a new template; it requires a professional eye on your asset’s total value.
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Residential Management: Our team is currently conducting full audits for our managed clients, ensuring all compliance documents—from gas safety to the new Renters’ Rights info sheets—are airtight.
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Strategic Valuations: With “no-fault” evictions gone, the liquidity of a tenanted property changes. If you are considering a sale or a remortgage, our Valuation Surveyors can provide an accurate “Red Book” assessment of how these new rights impact your property’s marketability.
The Bottom Line
The Renters’ Rights Act represents the biggest shift in housing law in thirty years. While the goal is “security for tenants,” the burden of compliance falls squarely on the landlord. Proactive management this April is the only way to ensure your portfolio remains a high-performing asset rather than a legal headache.
Take Action Before May 1st
Is your portfolio compliant with the new periodic tenancy rules? Are you concerned about how the abolition of Section 21 affects your property’s value?
Contact the experts at Anderson Wilde & Harris today. Whether you need a comprehensive audit of your Residential Management or a professional Valuation to plan your next move, we are here to help you navigate the 2026 property landscape.
📞 Call us on 020 7061 1100 or Book a Consultation online.