As a landlord, you are likely aware of the significant changes heading for the private rented sector. After years of discussion, the “Renters’ Rights Act 2025” has received Royal Assent and its provisions are expected to come into full force during 2026.
This is the biggest legislative shift in the rental market for over 30 years.
The headline change, and the one causing the most concern for landlords, is the complete abolition of Section 21, often known as the “no-fault” eviction. For decades, this has been the standard method for landlords to regain possession of their property at the end of a tenancy.
Understandably, you may be worried about what this means for your rental investment. This guide is designed to help you understand what is changing, what is not changing, and how you can prepare your Warminster property to thrive in this new legal landscape.
What is ending? A simple guide to the Section 21 change
The new Act makes two fundamental changes that work together.
One: The end of “no-fault” evictions. Put simply, Section 21 is a notice that allows a landlord to regain possession of their property without having to state a legal reason or “ground.” The new Act will remove this entirely.
Two: The end of fixed-term tenancies To support the new system, all new tenancies will become “periodic” from day one. This means the concept of a six-month or 12-month initial fixed term will be removed. Tenancies will simply roll on a month-by-month basis until the tenant gives notice or the landlord uses a valid, legal ground to regain possession.
This does not mean you are losing the right to evict a tenant.
Instead, the government is strengthening the “Section 8” process. This means you will still be able to regain possession of your property, but you will need to provide a legitimate, legal reason (a “ground”) to do so.
The new rules: your strengthened grounds for possession
The new Act reassures landlords by strengthening the existing Section 8 grounds and introducing new ones. This ensures you can still take action when you have a valid reason.
Here are the most important grounds you need to be aware of.
You need to sell your property
A new mandatory ground (Ground 1A) is being introduced that allows you to regain possession if you intend to sell. This provides a clear, legal route to exit the market.
- What you must know: To prevent misuse, you will not be able to re-let or re-market the property for a set period after using this ground (expected to be at least six months).
- Notice period: You will be required to give your tenant four months’ notice.
You or your family need to move in
The existing ground for owner-occupation (Ground 1) is being kept and expanded. This mandatory ground will allow you, or a close family member, to move into the property.
- What you must know: The definition of “family” will be clearly set out and includes parents, children, siblings, and grandparents.
- Notice period: This ground will also require four months’ notice.
Your tenant is in breach of their agreement
This is a key area of concern for landlords, and the new Act aims to provide more confidence, not less.
- Anti-Social Behaviour: The grounds for anti-social behaviour (Grounds 7A and 14) are being strengthened. The notice periods for serious anti-social behaviour are being shortened, allowing you to take action more quickly to protect your property and the community.
- Rent Arrears: The mandatory ground for serious rent arrears (Ground 8) is being retained. This ensures you still have a clear path to possession if your tenant fails to pay their rent. You will, however, need to be aware of the new rules, as the threshold for what constitutes “serious arrears” may be adjusted.
A specific look: the Section 21 changes Warminster landlord guide
Generic advice from national portals often misses the local picture. For Warminster landlords, these changes have a unique implication.
Your rental property is likely in high demand due to Warminster’s key position on the edge of the Salisbury Plain Training Area. For years, landlords have benefited from a steady flow of high-quality military personnel and their families looking for homes for a two or three-year posting.
The end of fixed-term tenancies directly impacts this model.
You will no longer be able to guarantee a tenancy will last for a specific 24 or 36-month period. A tenant could, in theory, give their two months’ notice and leave at any point.
This makes one thing more critical than ever: professional tenant selection.
Without the “safety net” of a Section 21 notice, ensuring you have the right, reliable, and fully-vetted tenant in your property from day one is the single most important way to protect your investment.
How you can prepare your Warminster rental for 2026
You can take simple, practical steps right now to ensure you are in the strongest possible position for 2026.
- Audit your compliance: Under the new system, any error in your paperwork could invalidate a future Section 8 notice. Now is the time to ensure your Gas Safety Certificates, Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR), and Deposit Protection details are all in perfect order.
- Review your tenancies: Understand who your tenants are and the status of your current agreements. When these tenancies transition to the new periodic model, you need to be ready.
- Focus on communication: A good, professional relationship with your tenant is now your most valuable asset. Good communication and prompt attention to maintenance requests can prevent small issues from becoming large disputes.
- Seek professional advice: This is a complex legal shift. You do not have to become an expert in housing law overnight.
Let us manage the changes for you
You do not have to navigate this new legislation alone.
Our team at Northwood Warminster is fully trained on every detail of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. More importantly, we understand exactly how these changes will affect our local Warminster and military-driven market.
We can manage the entire transition for you, from ensuring your property is compliant to finding and vetting high-quality tenants who will look after your home. Our management services are designed to give you complete peace of mind, protecting your investment for 2026 and beyond.
Contact our Warminster office today for a no-obligation chat about your property. Let’s make sure you are fully prepared.
