The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force on 1st May 2026, introducing some of the biggest changes to lettings in recent years. It builds on existing reforms and significantly changes how tenancies are managed, particularly around tenant rights, compliance and documentation.
For landlords across Newcastle-under-Lyme and the wider Staffordshire area, this means new responsibilities. For Follwells clients, it means those responsibilities are already being handled.
What is actually changing for landlords in 2026?
From May 2026, several core parts of the lettings process will change:
- Fixed-term tenancies will move to periodic agreements
- ‘No-fault’ evictions will be removed
- Tenants will have the right to request a pet, which landlords can’t unreasonably refuse
- Landlords can still regain possession if they plan to sell or move into the property
- A government information sheet must be issued to tenants before 31st May 2026
While these are national changes, they will affect how properties are managed locally, particularly in active rental areas such as Newcastle-under-Lyme, where demand remains strong and processes need to be handled carefully. Find more information about some of these changes here.
How will the Renters’ Rights Act affect landlords day-to-day?
The biggest impact will be on how tenancies are managed behind the scenes. Landlords will need to follow more structured processes, keep documentation fully up to date and communicate more consistently with tenants. Compliance becomes part of the day-to-day, rather than something handled occasionally.
For landlords managing a property portfolio, the transition period is likely to bring questions and added complexity.
What are the risks if landlords get it wrong?
Small errors can quickly become larger issues under the new rules. The most common risks to be aware of include:
- Missing required documents or deadlines
- Serving notices incorrectly
- Letting compliance records lapse
- Managing multiple tenancy changes without clear tracking
These issues aren’t always obvious at first, but they can lead to delays or legal complications if not handled correctly. In a local market like Newcastle-under-Lyme, where properties often move quickly, delays like this can have a real impact.
How do Follwells help landlords stay compliant?
Follwells manage the full lettings process to ensure everything is handled correctly from the outset. We take care of tenancy changes, tenant communication and the legal process at every stage.
Before any action is taken, we carry out the necessary compliance checks to ensure everything is in order. This removes the pressure from landlords and provides confidence that nothing has been overlooked.
What systems are in place to handle the 2026 changes?
We use systems that are already aligned with the upcoming legislation. As outlined in the recent Street.co.uk update, the platform we use has been built to support these changes through automation and built-in compliance.
This means that tenancy updates, document handling and communication can be managed in a structured and consistent way. Every action is recorded, creating a clear audit trail for each property. By reducing manual admin for us and our landlords, we also reduce the risk of human error. For landlords, that means greater control and fewer unexpected issues.
Why is professional lettings management more important now?
The lettings sector is becoming more regulated and that’s unlikely to change. Getting things right first time is now essential. Professional management helps ensure compliance is handled properly, risks are reduced and your investment is protected over the long term. It also provides something just as important – peace of mind.
What should landlords do next?
The upcoming changes may seem complex, but they don’t need to be difficult to manage. With the right systems and support in place, everything can be handled smoothly and correctly from the start.
Do you want to understand more about how these changes affect your property or discuss your options with a local team who understands the Newcastle-under-Lyme and wider Staffordshire markets? We’re here to help – speak to John or Helen on 01782 615530 or find out more about how we do lettings at Follwells here.
