Propertymark continues to campaign for reforms that improve standards while remaining workable for agents, landlords and tenants. This includes calling for realistic implementation timelines, clear guidance and effective court and tribunal processes to support the move away from Section 21.
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Understanding the phased approach
A key theme from the discussion was the importance of understanding how the reforms will be introduced. The UK Government has confirmed that the Renters’ Rights Act will be implemented in stages, with the most significant tenancy changes taking effect first. Later phases will introduce measures such as a private rented sector database and a new landlord redress requirement
Agents should not view the Act as a single moment of change, but as a transition that will require ongoing adjustments to systems, staff training and landlord engagement over several years.
Moving to periodic tenancies
The removal of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies and the shift to open-ended periodic tenancies raised many questions during the webinar. Brian Moran, Advisory Panel Member (Scotland), highlighted that, while the change can feel unsettling at first, the practical impact is often less dramatic than expected.
One practical step discussed was reviewing historic data on tenancy endings. Looking back at who typically ends tenancies – tenants or landlords, and for what reasons – can help agents reassure landlords and challenge assumptions about increased instability
Agents were also encouraged to plan for the loss of renewal income and consider how their business models may need to adapt, including building financial buffers and reviewing fee structures where appropriate.
Preparing for the end of Section 21
The abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions is another major shift, and in the new system, evidence will be critical. Enhanced Section 8 grounds will rely on clear records, accurate timelines and well-documented tenant interactions.
This makes day-to-day compliance more important than ever. Ensuring deposits are protected correctly, prescribed information is served on time, and records of rent arrears or anti-social behaviour are kept up to date will be central to protecting landlords and agents if cases reach court or tribunal.
Communicating clearly with landlords
A recurring theme was the need for early and honest conversations with landlords. In Scotland and Wales, confusion and mistrust were greatest where landlords felt changes had been imposed without explanation.
Agents were encouraged to explain not just what is changing, but how they will manage risk on the landlords’ behalf. This includes being clear about protected periods for certain eviction grounds, such as selling a property or moving back in, and the evidence landlords may need to provide to rely on those grounds
Clear communication was also seen as an opportunity for agents to demonstrate their value as trusted, professional advisers during a period of reform.
Training teams and tightening processes
Experience from devolved nations shows that staff training cannot be an afterthought. Open-ended tenancies, revised eviction grounds and greater scrutiny of compliance all place more responsibility on frontline staff.
Webinar speakers stressed the importance of making sure everyone in the business, not just senior managers, understands the new rules and the consequences of getting them wrong. Poor practice risks reputational damage and enforcement action, as well as undermining relationships with landlords and tenants
Supporting agents to adapt
We provide practical guidance, webinars and resources to help agents navigate the transition and prepare their businesses with confidence. Propertymark Members—check your communication preferences to ensure you are receiving newsletters and legislative updates to stay informed every step of the way.
The Toolkit breaks down the legislation to help you inform your landlords and tenants. We have four guides covering the key things lettings agents need to know and what they need to think about to adapt, including the student rental market, ten key changes landlords must be aware of, and a quick guide for tenants.
Learn from renowned industry experts who will take you through how the Renters’ Rights legislation will affect landlords and agents. They will provide practical tips, insights and actionable advice on how to adjust to the new regime, covering periodic tenancies, eviction grounds, rent increases, enforcement, and much more.
We've created easy-to-share, bite-sized video explainers for the key elements of the legislation, including periodic tenancies, rent increases, PRS database, Ombudsman, redress, and the Decent Homes Standard. Fantastic to support your communication with landlords and tenants about how the sector will be impacted.
Renters' Rights Act
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. The first phase of reforms will take effect on 1 May 2026, marking the most significant shift to tenancy law in a generation. From this date, all existing and new private tenancies in England will move onto the new system.
