Cumbrian Landlords Urged to Prepare as New Rental Laws Come Into Force
Landlords across Cumbria are being urged to make sure they understand major changes to private rental laws, with new rules now affecting how tenancies, rent increases and evictions work in England.
The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on May 1st, 2026. Bringing some of the biggest changes to the private rented sector in years. The changes include the end of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, new rules on rent increases, stronger rights for tenants with pets, and a ban on rental bidding wars.
The changes affect private landlords, letting agents and tenants across the country, including those in Cumbria. Government guidance says landlords now need to understand the new rules so they can stay compliant and continue providing safe, affordable and decent homes.
Section 21 ‘No-Fault’ Evictions Have Ended
One of the biggest changes is the end of Section 21 evictions.
Before the new law, landlords could use Section 21 to ask tenants to leave without giving a reason. From May 1, 2026, private landlords can no longer serve a new Section 21 notice.
This means landlords must now use the Section 8 process if they want to regain possession of a property. They must also give a valid legal reason, known as a ground for possession.
Valid reasons can include issues such as unpaid rent, antisocial behaviour, damage to the property, or the landlord needing to sell the property or move in themselves.
Landlords Must Use the Correct Process
The new rules do not mean landlords can never take back their property.
Instead, they must follow the correct legal route. Under the new system, landlords need to serve a Section 8 notice and provide evidence if the case goes to court. Government information says landlords must rely on one or more legal grounds for possession.
For Cumbrian landlords, this makes record keeping more important. Landlords may need to keep clear evidence of rent arrears, complaints, property damage, tenancy breaches or plans to sell.
Good communication with tenants will also be important, especially where repairs, rent payments or tenancy concerns are involved.
Rent Increases Are Now More Restricted
The Renters’ Rights Act also changes how rent increases work.
From May 1, 2026, landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months. They must also give at least two months’ written notice and use the formal Section 13 process.
Rent review clauses in tenancy agreements can no longer be used for new rent increases after this date.
Any rent increase must also be no higher than the open market rent. If a tenant believes the proposed increase is too high, they can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal.
Fixed-Term Tenancies Replaced by Rolling Tenancies
Another key change is the move away from fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies.
Government guidance says private rented sector tenancies will now roll on from month to month or week to week, depending on the rental agreement. Tenants can end their tenancy by giving two months’ notice in writing.
This gives renters more flexibility, but it also means landlords need to review their tenancy documents and management processes.
Landlords may need to check that old agreements, rent review clauses and notices are still suitable under the new system.
Bidding Wars and Discrimination Banned
The new law also introduces rules aimed at making the rental market fairer.
Rental bidding wars are banned, meaning landlords and agents should not encourage tenants to offer more than the advertised rent. The Government has also said the reforms include new protections against discrimination involving families and people receiving benefits.
This means landlords and letting agents need to be careful about how they advertise homes, assess applications and communicate with prospective tenants.
Affordability checks can still be used, but they must be applied fairly.
Tenants Have Stronger Rights Around Pets
The Renters’ Rights Act also gives tenants stronger rights to request permission to keep a pet.
Landlords can still refuse a request, but they will need a valid reason. This could include situations where a property is unsuitable for the animal or where lease restrictions apply.
The change does not mean every tenant can automatically keep any pet, but it does mean landlords must consider requests properly and cannot refuse without good reason.
Why Cumbrian Landlords Are Being Urged to Act
The changes are likely to affect landlords across Cumbria, from larger portfolio landlords to people renting out a single property.
Those who have not already done so may need to review tenancy agreements, update rent increase processes, check eviction procedures and make sure staff or letting agents understand the new rules.
The safest approach for landlords is to act early, keep clear records and seek professional advice where needed.
For tenants, the new rules provide stronger protection and more security. For landlords, the message is clear: the rental system has changed, and property management now needs to change with it.
