Chancellors is urging landlords across Oxfordshire and beyond to prepare for one of the most significant changes to rental legislation in decades, as the Renters’ Rights Bill officially becomes law.
Although the new rules are not yet active, the first stage of the Renters’ Rights Act will take effect on 01 May 2026, prompting the agency to offer free Landlord Health Checks to help property owners get ahead of the transition.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces sweeping reforms that will reshape how the private rented sector operates. At its core is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, bringing an end to the ability of landlords to repossess properties without giving a specific reason.
In its place, all tenancies will convert to a single rolling, periodic model, removing fixed-term contracts and changing how both landlords and tenants manage occupancy and notice.
Additional measures include longer notice periods, stricter possession grounds and new limits on rent increases, which will now be restricted to once per year. Tenants will also have increased rights to challenge rises they believe to be unreasonable.
The Act further requires landlords to publish asking rents, avoid bidding wars, and adapt to enhanced tenant protections. These include the right to request pets, a ban on blanket exclusions for families or those receiving benefits, and the creation of a national database designed to improve oversight of the sector.
For many landlords, the shift will require significant updates to documentation, processes and compliance procedures. Chancellors’ free Landlord Health Checks aim to soften that impact by offering a clear review of tenancy agreements, key documents and operational practices.
The service also helps property owners understand new notice requirements, rent review processes and the practical implications of moving to periodic tenancies.
“This is a landmark moment for the private rented sector,” said Carl Jeffries, Regional Lettings Director at Chancellors. “The Renters’ Rights Act ushers in a new era of fairness and clarity, and while the changes can feel daunting, they also offer landlords a chance to modernise their business and enhance tenant relationships.”
Jeffries added that renting is already shaped by more than 180 laws and 400 regulations, and the upcoming Act adds “another layer of complexity”. The company is therefore encouraging landlords to prepare now rather than wait for enforcement next year.
Landlords can book a free health check or find out more by visiting Chancellors or contacting their local branch.
