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2025–2026

UK Landlord Law Changes
FAQs.

Simple, clear answers for UK landlords. Everything you need to know about the new rules.

Quick answers

The most common questions at a glance.

Is Section 21 abolished?

Yes. Use Section 8 with valid grounds.

Can landlords evict easily?

No. Evidence and legal justification required.

How much deposit allowed?

5 weeks’ rent (6 weeks for high-rent).

Can landlords ask rent upfront?

Only 1 month in advance.

Need historic certificates?

Yes. Required in disputes / inspections.

Are councils inspecting more?

Yes. Enforcement significantly increased.

Detailed FAQs

Before vs. now comparisons with clear action steps.

What are the latest landlord law changes in the UK?

Before

Landlords relied on fixed-term ASTs, Section 21 evictions, and limited enforcement.

Now
  • Open-ended periodic tenancies
  • Section 21 abolished
  • Section 8 is the only eviction route
  • Stronger tenant rights
  • Increased council enforcement and fines
What landlords must do

Landlords must now actively manage compliance, evidence, and records at all times.

Are AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancies) still valid?

Before

ASTs with 6 or 12-month fixed terms were standard.

Now
  • ASTs are being replaced by open-ended periodic tenancies
  • Tenancies no longer end automatically
  • Tenants can stay long-term
  • Possession requires legal grounds
What landlords must do

Stop planning around fixed terms and focus on long-term compliance.

Is Section 21 eviction abolished?

Before

Section 21 allowed "no-fault" evictions with notice.

Now
  • Yes. Section 21 is abolished.
  • Landlords can no longer evict without a legal reason.
What landlords must do

All evictions must now use Section 8 with valid, provable grounds.

What is Section 8 and how does eviction work now?

Before

Section 8 was rarely used.

Now
  • Section 8 is the only legal eviction route
  • Valid grounds include: rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, breach of tenancy, selling the property, landlord or close family moving in
What landlords must do

You must prove the ground with evidence. Keep detailed records of all tenant issues.

What notice period must landlords give tenants?

Before

Most landlords gave around 2 months’ notice using Section 21.

Now
  • Notice periods depend on the Section 8 ground used
  • Some grounds require longer notice
  • Evidence is critical for all eviction notices
What landlords must do

Assume possession will take longer and plan accordingly. Budget for extended timelines.

What notice period must tenants give landlords?

Before

Tenants usually gave around 1 month’s notice.

Now
  • Tenants can end a tenancy by giving 2 months’ notice
  • Notice must be aligned with rent periods
What landlords must do

Prepare for quicker tenant exits. Have a void management plan ready.

How do deposits work under the new rules?

Before

Deposits were sometimes miscalculated or poorly handled.

Now
  • Deposit cap: 5 weeks’ rent (6 weeks if rent exceeds £50,000/year)
  • Deposits must be protected in an approved scheme
  • Prescribed information must be served correctly
What landlords must do

Deposit errors can invalidate Section 8 eviction and trigger compensation claims. Handle with care.

Can landlords still ask for rent in advance?

Before

Some landlords asked for 6–12 months upfront.

Now
  • Landlords will be limited to 1 month’s rent in advance for most tenancies.
What landlords must do

Rely less on upfront rent. Focus on strong tenant selection, proper referencing, and clear documentation.

Are councils enforcing landlord rules more strictly?

Before

Many landlords were rarely inspected.

Now
  • Councils actively inspect properties
  • Issue fines (up to £30,000+)
  • Enforce licensing and safety standards
What landlords must do

Always be audit-ready. Keep all documents current and accessible.

Why does historic compliance matter?

Before

Landlords kept only the latest certificate.

Now
  • You may need to prove what you did and when
  • Evidence that tenants were informed
  • Historic records protect you in disputes
What landlords must do

Keep all historic compliance documents. They may be required during inspections, disputes, or eviction cases.

How should landlords choose tenants now?

Before

Landlords relied on fixed terms, rent upfront, and Section 21 as backup.

Now
  • Tenant selection is your biggest risk control
  • Full referencing (income, affordability, credit)
  • Previous landlord references
  • Right-to-rent checks
  • Guarantors where appropriate
  • Consistent, fair decision-making
What landlords must do

Invest time in proper tenant vetting. It’s your primary protection now.

What is the biggest risk for landlords today?

Before

Voids and bad tenants were the main concerns.

Now
  • Non-compliance is now the biggest risk.
  • One missing document can block eviction, delay possession, or lead to fines and claims.
What landlords must do

Prioritise compliance above all else. Track every deadline and document.

Key compliance documents for landlords

The most-asked-for certificates.

Examples of the most common certificates for typical BTL properties. Additional requirements may apply depending on your property type.

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
Before

Annual checks have always been required.

Now
  • Must be renewed every year
  • Records must be shared with tenants
  • Councils and courts may request both historical and current certificates
Electrical Safety (EICR)
Before

Required every 5 years.

Now
  • Must be renewed every 5 years
  • Must be shared with tenants and councils when requested
  • Keep historical records for inspections and disputes
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
Before

Minimum EPC E was enough.

Now
  • Strong push towards EPC C
  • Increasing enforcement and future-proofing expectations
How does Landlord Compliance help landlords?

The hub for staying audit-ready.

  • Track EPC, EICR, gas, and other deadlines
  • Store historic and current documents
  • Stay inspection-ready
  • Reduce legal and financial risk

Free for UK landlords during early access

Who should use Landlord Compliance?

Built for landlords who want to stay compliant without the hassle.

First-time landlords

New to letting and need guidance

Hands-off landlords

Want automated reminders

Busy professionals

Limited time for admin

Portfolio landlords

Managing multiple properties

Self-managing landlords

No letting agent

UK landlord law has changed permanently.

Landlord Compliance helps you stay compliant, organised, and protected — without complexity.

✓ 100% free during early access✓ No credit card✓ For UK landlords