As South Devon’s independent, award-winning letting agents, we’ve been proudly serving landlords and tenants in Ivybridge, Plymouth, and the surrounding areas (within a 25-mile radius) for years. Based right here at 5 Glanvilles Mill, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 9PS, we specialise in residential lettings and property management with a fully transparent, honest approach and our famous “No let = No Fee” promise. We’re members of NAEA Propertymark, which means we hold ourselves to higher standards than the law requires,
backed by Client Money Protection, and our experts undergo regular training to stay ahead of complex legislative changes. Whether you choose our Fully Managed service (from 8% inc.), Tenant Find and Rent Collection, or Tenant Find only, we’re committed to delivering fair, professional support at a reasonable cost, including free rental appraisals and valuations to help you get the right rent for your property.
With the Renters’ Rights Act now law (having received Royal Assent in October 2025), the private rented sector in England is undergoing its most significant shake-up in decades. The first major phase kicks in on 1 May 2026, just a few months away as we write this in February 2026 and it will affect both new and existing tenancies. As your local experts, we’re here to help landlords like you navigate these changes smoothly, protect your investment, and keep your properties let efficiently.
Here are our practical tips to prepare and thrive under the new rules:
1. Understand the Shift to Periodic Tenancies – Act Early
From 1 May 2026, all Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), including existing ones, automatically convert to open-ended Assured Periodic Tenancies. No more fixed terms, and no new fixed-term ASTs can be created. Tenants gain more flexibility to leave (with 2 months’ notice), while landlords lose the ability to rely on the end of a fixed term to regain possession.
Tip: Review your current tenancies now. If you’re planning any changes or need possession before May, consider your options under the current rules. For new lets, draft agreements that align with the periodic model, we can help ensure they’re compliant and clear.
2. Prepare for the End of Section 21 ‘No-Fault’ Evictions
Section 21 notices will be abolished from 1 May 2026, meaning landlords can only regain possession using enhanced Section 8 grounds (e.g., rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or selling/own use, with stricter evidence and longer notice periods in some cases, like 4 months for sale or re-occupation after a 12-month minimum stay).
Tip: Build strong, proactive relationships with tenants from day one. Document everything, repairs, communications, payments, to support any future Section 8 claims. Regular property checks and quick issue resolution will be key to avoiding disputes that could drag on in court.
3. Get Rent Increases Right – Stick to Once a Year
Rent increases will be limited to once per year via the statutory Section 13 process, and tenants can challenge them at the First-tier Tribunal if they seem unfair. No more mid-tenancy hikes outside this framework.
Tip: Set realistic initial rents based on our free rental appraisal service, we know the Ivybridge and Plymouth market inside out. Plan annual reviews carefully, gathering evidence of comparable local rents to justify any increase. Avoid bidding wars: from May, adverts must state a proposed rent, and you can’t accept higher offers.
4. Embrace Pet-Friendly Lettings (Where Sensible)
Tenants will have the right to request pets, and landlords can only refuse on reasonable grounds (e.g., allergies in shared properties, structural issues). Blanket “no pets” bans will be harder to enforce.
Tip: Consider pet policies that work for you, perhaps with a small deposit top-up for damage. Many good tenants have pets, and being flexible can widen your applicant pool in a competitive market. We can advise on wording requests and clauses to protect your property.
5. Stay Compliant and Look Ahead to Later Phases
From late 2026, expect a national PRS database (requiring landlord registration) and a mandatory Private Landlord Ombudsman. Property standards may rise with an updated Decent Homes Standard in future phases.
Tip: Keep records spotless, gas safety, electrical checks, EPCs, Right to Rent. As enforcement powers for councils are already strengthening. Join professional bodies (like we’re proud to be NAEA Propertymark members) for updates and training. If you’re fully managed with us, we handle compliance as part of the package.
The Renters’ Rights Act aims to create a fairer, more stable renting system for everyone and while it brings challenges for landlords, it also rewards those who manage professionally, communicate well, and maintain high standards. At Your Home Lets, our regular training keeps us fully up to speed so we can guide you through every step, whether it’s a free valuation, finding reliable tenants, or full management to minimise your stress.
If you’re a landlord in South Devon wondering how these changes affect your portfolio, or if you’d like a no-obligation chat about preparing for 1 May 2026, get in touch today. Call us on 01752 896813, use our contact form, or pop into the office, we’re here Mon-Thu 9am-5:30pm, Fri 9am-4:30pm, Sat 10am-1pm.
Here’s to a smooth transition and successful lettings in 2026 and beyond.
