Facebook Summary: The Renters’ Rights Act officially arrives on May 1st! Is your property portfolio ready for the end of no-fault evictions? Check out our 7-day landlord health check to ensure you’re compliant and protected before the deadline.
Hi everyone, it’s Penny here from the Hunter Capital team.
If you’ve been following the news, you’ll know that the landscape for UK landlords is about to change significantly. Today is Tuesday, April 21st, 2026. That means we are exactly ten days away from May 1st, the day the Renters’ Rights Act officially kicks in.
For many of our clients here in Oldham and across the UK, this date has been circled in red for months. The Act brings the most significant shift in private renting in a generation, most notably the abolition of Section 21 "no-fault" evictions.
At Hunter Capital, our director, Naz Islam, always says that a prepared landlord is a successful landlord. We don’t want you to panic, but we do want you to be ready. Whether you own a single buy-to-let in Chadderton or a large HMO portfolio in the town centre, this "Health Check" is designed to help you navigate the final week of the old rules.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
Before we dive into the checklist, let’s quickly recap why May 1st matters. The Renters’ Rights Act aims to give tenants more security. The headline change is the removal of Section 21. From May 1st, landlords can only end a tenancy if they have a valid reason (a "ground" for possession), such as wanting to sell the property, moving back in themselves, or if the tenant has fallen into significant rent arrears.
Furthermore, all tenancies will move to a single system of periodic tenancies. This means the concept of a "fixed term" (like a 12-month contract) is largely going away. Tenants will be able to give two months' notice to leave at any time.
It’s a big shift, but it’s manageable if your paperwork is in order.
The 7-Day Landlord Health Check
With only one week to go, here are the four key areas you need to review to ensure your "health check" is complete.
1. The Paperwork Audit
In the new world of the Renters’ Rights Act, compliance is your best defence. If your paperwork isn't 100% accurate, you may find it nearly impossible to regain possession of your property if things go wrong.
- EPC Check: Is your Energy Performance Certificate up to date? Remember, the standards are only getting stricter.
- Gas Safety & EICR: Ensure you have valid certificates for gas and electrical safety. Under the new rules, failing to provide these at the start of a tenancy can block your ability to use the new possession grounds.
- Right to Rent: Double-check that you have conducted and recorded Right to Rent checks for all adult occupiers.
- Deposit Protection: Ensure all deposits are registered with a government-approved scheme and that the "Prescribed Information" was served correctly.
2. Review Your Mortgage Strategy
The change in legislation often prompts landlords to rethink their investment strategy. If you are worried about the flexibility of periodic tenancies, now is the time to look at your financing.
At Hunter Capital, we specialise in buy-to-let mortgages for complex situations. With the Act making it harder to move tenants on, lenders may look more closely at the stability of your rental income. If you have a mortgage renewal coming up in 2026, don't wait until the last minute. We can help you refinance to ensure your cash flow remains healthy under the new regulations.
3. HMO-Specific Compliance
If you manage an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), the Renters’ Rights Act presents unique challenges. Since tenants can now give notice more easily, turnover in HMOs might increase.
- Licensing: Ensure your HMO licence is current with Oldham Council (or your local authority).
- Management Standards: High-quality management is the best way to keep tenants long-term. With the end of fixed terms, your goal should be to make your property a place people want to stay.
- Finance for HMOs: HMO lending can be tricky. We provide expert HMO mortgage advice for landlords who need specialist products that account for the unique risks and rewards of multi-let properties.
4. Communication with Tenants
While the law changes on May 1st, your relationship with your tenants shouldn't have to. If you have good tenants, a simple message or letter explaining that you are aware of the new laws and remain committed to being a fair landlord can go a long way.
Happy tenants stay longer, and under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenant retention is the key to a stress-free life.
Why Oldham Landlords Need to Pay Attention
The rental market in Oldham is diverse. We have a mix of traditional terraced houses, new developments, and a growing HMO sector. Because the Renters’ Rights Act applies across the board, local landlords need to be aware of how regional demand might shift.
With no-fault evictions gone, "problem" tenants become harder to manage. This makes the initial screening process more vital than ever. If you are looking to expand your portfolio in the North West despite these changes, getting the right business finance or development finance is crucial to ensure you have the capital to maintain high standards.
Specialist Advice for Complex Situations
At Hunter Capital, we know that not every landlord fits into a neat little box. Maybe you are an expat or foreign national with property in the UK, or perhaps you require Sharia finance options.
The Renters’ Rights Act adds a layer of complexity to an already complicated market. That’s where we come in. We don’t just find you a mortgage; we provide a holistic view of how your financing interacts with the current law. Our USP is our ability to handle those "complex" situations that high-street banks often shy away from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still evict a tenant after May 1st?
A: Yes, but you must have a valid reason under the updated Section 8 grounds. These include rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, or the landlord's intention to sell or move back into the property.
Q: Does the Act apply to existing tenancies?
A: Yes. While there is a transition period for some elements, the core changes regarding possession grounds and the move to periodic tenancies will eventually apply to all private residential tenancies.
Q: Will the Renters’ Rights Act make it harder to get a mortgage?
A: Not necessarily, but lenders will be looking for "professional" landlords who are fully compliant. Having your "Health Check" documents in order will make you a much more attractive borrower.
Q: What happens if I want to sell my property?
A: The Act includes a specific ground for possession if the landlord intends to sell. However, you usually cannot use this ground within the first few months of a new tenancy.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Deadline Catch You Out
May 1st is a milestone, not a mountain. By taking this final week to audit your portfolio, check your compliance, and review your financial position, you can move into this new era with confidence.
If the Renters’ Rights Act has made you rethink your investment strategy, or if you’re worried about how it affects your borrowing power, come and talk to us. Whether it’s a standard buy-to-let or a complex commercial mortgage, we have the expertise to help you thrive.
Ready for a Mortgage Health Check?
The law is changing, but your goals don't have to. Let’s make sure your finances are as robust as your properties.
Contact Hunter Capital today or request a free consultation to speak with our specialist team about your BTL and HMO needs.
We’re here to help you navigate the changes, one step at a time. Stay safe, stay compliant, and let’s get ready for May 1st!