Landlords, are you ready for the new rental rules coming into force on 1st May?
Russell Green • April 18, 2026
Adapted from an article in our March newsletter
If you are a landlord, this spring is an important time to get up to date with the changes coming to the private rented sector in England.
From 1 May 2026, the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act reforms will begin. Government guidance says these changes include the end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, alongside a new tenancy system and measures affecting issues such as rental bidding, discrimination and rent in advance.
The government has also published the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026. Landlords and agents must give this to relevant tenants, and the government says it must be provided on or before 31 May 2026 where required. New assured tenancy forms for privately rented properties in England have also been published for use from 1 May 2026.
For landlords, this is not just a legal update. It is a chance to make sure your tenancy arrangements are clear, fair and fit for the new rules.
That matters for good consumer outcomes. In practice, that means helping tenants understand their rights, making sure the correct information is provided on time, and ensuring that tenancy processes are handled properly rather than left until the last minute. Early preparation can reduce confusion, avoid unnecessary disputes and support a more stable tenancy for both landlord and tenant. Government guidance aimed at landlords says now is the time to get ready.
A sensible review now could include:
- checking whether your tenancy documents and processes need updating
- making sure you understand when and how the new rules apply
- being ready to provide the official information sheet where required
- reviewing how you communicate changes clearly to tenants
- checking whether your mortgage and wider property plans still support your long-term strategy
The key point is not to panic, but not to drift either.
If you leave preparation until the final weeks, there is a greater risk of missed steps, outdated paperwork or unnecessary pressure. Reviewing things now gives you more time to understand the changes, put the right processes in place and make considered decisions.
For some landlords, that may also be a useful moment to review whether their current mortgage arrangements still suit their plans for the property. But the main priority is
making sure you are ready for the new tenancy rules and able to support tenants appropriately as they come into force.
Landlords should also be aware of another important change coming very soon. From 6 April 2026, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax will begin to apply to landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. That means affected landlords will need to keep digital records, use compatible software and send quarterly updates to HMRC3.
For some, this will be a significant change from the way they currently manage tax reporting. Alongside preparing for the new rental rules, now is also a sensible time to check whether you may fall within scope for Making Tax Digital and whether your record-keeping processes are ready. Early preparation can help reduce the risk of last-minute pressure, missed requirements and unnecessary disruption.
What to do next?
If part of your review is to look at the funding options for any or all of your investment properties, Russell Green has over 20 years’ experience helping landlords with their mortgage and remortgage options.
How to Contact Us
Russell Green will personally deal with your enquiry.
Tel 01934 442023
Complete a form via our website www.westonmortgagesonline.com
Our initial mortgage consultation is free and with no obligation; should you proceed to an application, there will usually be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances, but will range from £ 290 to £490, and this will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.
Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.
The FCA does not regulate some forms of Buy to Lets.
References:
GOV.UK (2026). Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act [Accessed 24 Mar. 2026].
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026. (2026). Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69bc04b8f7b1c24d8e23ce60/The_Renters__Rights_Act_Information_Sheet_2026.pdf.
HM Revenue & Customs (2025). One year until Making Tax Digital for Income Tax launches. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/one-year-until-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax-launches [Accessed 24 Mar. 2026].
The mortgage journey is often cited as one of the most stressful experiences in adult life. Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage a family home, the difference between a smooth transition and a logistical nightmare usually comes down to one person: your mortgage advisor.
In early March, lenders were reducing fixed mortgage rates as sentiment around interest rates improved. However, the escalating conflict involving Iran has pushed oil and gas prices higher, increasing inflation risk and affecting the UK interest rate outlook.
If your current mortgage deal is coming to an end, you’ve likely started hearing the words "remortgage" and "product transfer" thrown around. In today’s shifting economic climate, making sure you are on the best possible mortgage rate is more important than ever.
If illness or injury stopped you working, even for a few months, what would happen to the mortgage?
Most households have never had to test that scenario, and that is entirely understandable. Day-to-day life is busy, and when the mortgage is being paid each month, it is easy to assume things would somehow be manageable.
If your mortgage deal is due to end this year, it is worth getting ahead of it now. Not because you need to panic, but because leaving it late can limit your choices and increase the chance of ending up on your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR), which can be higher and can change.
Being a Landlord in today’s market can be very challenging.
The most successful investors always work with a great Mortgage Advisor.
Russell Green has years of experience and expert knowledge when it comes to offering advice on Buy to Let mortgage deals.
If you took out a two, three or five-year fixed mortgage a few years ago, 2026 could be an important year for you.
Around 1.8 million homeowners are coming to the end of fixed-rate deals taken out in 2021, 2022 and 2023. As those deals expire, borrowers face a decision about what happens next and doing nothing may not
As we move through 2026, there are a few sensible checks worth making. Not because anything is necessarily wrong, but because life changes, costs move on and reviewing things occasionally can help avoid surprises later.
On 3 February, Santander are the first large lender to launch a First-time Buyer Mortgage over 95% LTV. It’s called My First Mortgage and is up to 98% LTV. Supporting FTBs is a key focus for us whilst lending responsibly.
Green Mortgages are a recent introduction to the mortgage market, and every new product raises a lot of questions. In this blog, we will explore the advantages and considerations of a green mortgage.