Rental Market CHANGES
The Renters’ Rights Act goes into effect as of the 1st of May 2026. For landlords, this demands professionalism, and proving the property is in good condition, and renters are given legal protection and anti-discrimination law.
End to “No-Fault” evictions
The act puts an end to “no fault” evictions, so landlords now rely on section 8 grounds like selling the property, needing to move back in, persistent missed payments, or anti-social behaviour if they want to evict a tenant.
All new tenancies will convert to rolling tenancies, increasing the need for:
- Regular inspections and condition reports
- Ongoing communication
- Detailed inventories
- Strong check-in process
- Clear arrears protocols
The council and local authorities have more power to enforce:
- Damp and mold standards
- HHSRS compliance
- Licensing conditions
- Gas, electrical, smoke, and safety regulations
Pets
A tenant has the right to request to keep a pet, and their landlord cannot unreasonably refuse (the new rules don’t apply to social tenants). Landlords can still refuse permission if they do so reasonably. The landlord will normally have 28 days to respond to the request and must respond in writing.
Reasonable refusal: This covers where permitting a pet to be kept would breach an agreement with a superior landlord, or where the superior landlord withholds consent. Including situations where another tenant has an allergy, the property is too small, or the pet is prohibited by law.
Unreasonable refusal: It is unreasonable to refuse permission for a pet because the landlord does not like pets, had issues with tenants who had pets, or has concerns about potential damage. Additionally, a landlord who refuses to make reasonable adjustments for a tenant to have an assistance dog might be found to be in breach of the Equality Act.
Find additional information and help on:
Brighton & Hove City Council:Renters Rights Bill: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/housing/private-housing/private-landlords/renters-rights-bill
Household Support Fund: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/BHCC-household-support-fund
BHT Sussex:Tenants Handbook: https://www.bht.org.uk/housing-services-tenants-information-3/tenancy-handbook/
Useful Contacts: https://www.bht.org.uk/housing-services-tenants-information-3/useful-contacts/
Shelter England: Pets & New Regulation: https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/news_and_updates/renting_with_pets_the_rules_and_whats_changing
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