biggest-fear-landlords-have-about-the-renters-rights-act

Ever since the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into force, we’ve noticed a common theme in conversations with landlords.

It isn’t usually about paperwork.

It isn’t usually about rent increases.

And it isn’t even about the mandatory information sheets.

The question we hear time and time again is:

“If I need my property back, can I still get it?”

“Can I still get my property back if I need it?”

If that thought has crossed your mind, you are not alone.

Fortunately, the answer is yes.

However, the process has changed, and good property management is now more important than ever.

Why Has Section 21 Been Abolished?

For many years, landlords could regain possession using a Section 21 notice.

This allowed possession without having to prove a specific reason, provided the correct procedure had been followed.

The Government believed this created uncertainty for tenants. As a result, Section 21 has now been abolished under the Renters’ Rights Act.

This change has understandably caused concern among landlords.

Many worry that they have lost control of their property.

In reality, landlords still have possession rights. The legal route has simply changed.

The New Section 8 Possession Grounds

The Renters’ Rights Act does not stop landlords from recovering possession.

Instead, possession must now be sought using one of the statutory Section 8 grounds.

For example, landlords may still seek possession if:

• They intend to sell the property.
• They or a close family member wish to move in.
• The tenant has built up rent arrears.
• Anti-social behaviour has occurred.
• The tenancy agreement has been breached.

The key difference is that evidence now plays a much bigger role.

Because of this, landlords need proper records, clear documentation and strong management systems.

Why Good Management Matters More Than Ever

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Renters’ Rights Act is that possession starts when a notice is served.

In reality, possession cases often start months earlier.

A successful outcome may depend on:

• Inspection reports.
• Maintenance records.
• Tenant correspondence.
• Rent statements.
• Compliance certificates.
• Evidence of issues being dealt with promptly.

Without these records, a landlord’s position can become much weaker.

This is why professional management has become increasingly valuable.

How Cousins Has Already Prepared

At Cousins Estate Agents, we started preparing long before the legislation came into force.

Rather than waiting for problems to arise, we reviewed our procedures, documentation and compliance systems across our managed portfolio.

Updated Tenancy Documentation

The traditional Assured Shorthold Tenancy system has now moved to assured periodic tenancies.

As a result, we have reviewed and updated our tenancy documentation to ensure it reflects the new legal framework.

We have also issued the required Government information to tenants as part of our compliance programme.

Updated Landlord Agreements

We have completely revised our Agency & Management Agreement.

The updated agreement now provides greater clarity on:

• Landlord responsibilities.
• Agent responsibilities.
• Compliance procedures.
• Repair obligations.
• Safety requirements.
• Possession procedures.
• Deposit administration.
• Future ombudsman requirements.

Most importantly, the agreement reflects the practical realities of property management under the Renters’ Rights Act.

Stronger Compliance Procedures

The Renters’ Rights Act places greater emphasis on property standards and tenant safety.

Because of this, we have strengthened our compliance procedures to help landlords stay protected.

This includes guidance on:

• Gas Safety Certificates.
• Electrical Safety Certificates.
• Smoke alarms.
• Carbon monoxide alarms.
• Damp and mould management.
• Future regulatory requirements.

Improved Record Keeping

Good records are no longer simply best practice.

They are essential.

If possession is ever required, evidence can make all the difference.

For this reason, we have continued to improve how tenancy records, inspection reports, safety certificates and landlord communications are stored and managed.

Structured Property Inspections

Regular inspections help identify problems before they become expensive disputes.

They also provide valuable evidence of the property’s condition throughout the tenancy.

Our inspection procedures continue to play an important role in protecting both landlords and tenants.

Faster Repair Escalation

The new legislation places greater focus on property condition.

Delays can create unnecessary risk.

Therefore, our updated procedures allow us to respond more quickly where safety, compliance or habitability issues arise.

This helps landlords remain compliant while protecting the long-term condition of their investment.

The Reality for Most Landlords

Despite the headlines, most landlords will never need to start possession proceedings.

Most tenancies run smoothly.

Most tenants pay on time.

Most properties are well looked after.

However, when issues do arise, landlords need confidence that everything has been managed correctly from the beginning.

That confidence comes from having:

• Proper documentation.
• Accurate records.
• Regular inspections.
• Strong compliance systems.
• Professional guidance.

The Bottom Line

The biggest fear landlords have about the Renters’ Rights Act is losing control of their property.

Fortunately, that fear is often based on misunderstanding rather than reality.

The Renters’ Rights Act has changed the process. It has not removed landlords’ rights.

What it does require is better preparation, stronger compliance and more professional management.

At Cousins Estate Agents, we have already updated our documentation, landlord agreements, inspection procedures and compliance systems to help our landlords adapt.

The rules may have changed.

But with the right support, there is absolutely no reason for them to keep you awake at night.

If you would like advice on how the Renters’ Rights Act affects your property, contact Cousins Estate Agents today on 0161 681 2371 or visit www.cousins.co.uk.