2025 brought big changes for landlords. 2026 is when they start to bite.
With the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 now receiving Royal Assent, this year marks the official implementation phase – and for Exeter landlords, that means new responsibilities, changing tenancy structures, and stronger enforcement.
At Hunters Exeter, we understand that navigating compliance isn’t always easy – especially when rules change mid-tenancy. That’s why we’ve created this plain-English roadmap to guide you through the key updates, avoid common pitfalls, and stay legally protected throughout 2026.
Whether you let one property or manage a full portfolio, this is your go-to guide for landlord compliance in Exeter in 2026.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act and what does 2026 change?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is the biggest overhaul of tenancy law in a generation. It builds on the government’s long-term plan to raise standards in the private rented sector, improve transparency, and protect tenants from unfair eviction.
But while the Bill passed in 2025, most changes come into force in 2026 – with a strong emphasis on periodic tenancies, compliance documentation, and landlord accountability.
If you haven’t updated your processes or paperwork yet, now’s the time to act.
Key dates and phases in 2026
January–March 2026
- Official rollout begins
- Letting agents and property managers start registering properties on the new National Landlord Portal
- Periodic tenancy rules apply to all new lets
April–June 2026
- Compliance enforcement begins across all new tenancies
- Local authorities receive new funding to inspect properties and investigate complaints
July–December 2026
- Existing fixed-term tenancies begin to transition to periodic
- Ombudsman service becomes mandatory for all landlords
- Penalties introduced for non-registration or document breaches
1. Periodic tenancies: What’s changing?
No more fixed-term contracts
From 2026, all new tenancies must be periodic from day one. That means:
- There’s no fixed end date
- Tenants can give two months’ notice at any time
- Landlords must give longer notice (and only for valid grounds)
What this means for you
- Less predictability – tenants may leave at any time
- You’ll need better cash flow planning to handle gaps
- You must follow strict rules to regain possession (more on this below)
Tip: If you rely on fixed terms to manage turnover or coordinate with academic calendars, now’s the time to rethink your strategy with professional support.
2. Regaining possession: No more Section 21
The Renters’ Rights Act abolishes Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. Instead, landlords must use the reformed Section 8 process, which requires specific grounds.
Common grounds include:
- Serious rent arrears
- Persistent late payments
- Selling the property
- Moving in a family member
- Anti-social behaviour
- Breach of tenancy
Important: Even valid grounds must be backed by evidence and handled with precision – mistakes could lead to rejected claims or tenant compensation.
At Hunters Exeter, our Fully Managed landlord service ensures the right notice is served at the right time – protecting your legal position from day one.
3. National Landlord Portal: Digital registration required
2026 introduces a mandatory government-run property portal. Every rental property must be registered and include:
- Valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
- Gas Safety Certificate
- EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
- Deposit protection details
- Licence or selective licensing documents (if applicable)
Failure to register means you can’t legally let the property. It may also affect your ability to serve notices or defend against disputes.
4. The new ombudsman: What landlords must join
Another 2026 update: all landlords must join an official redress scheme even if you only let one property.
The Private Rental Ombudsman offers tenants a free way to raise complaints. Landlords found to be at fault may be required to:
- Apologise
- Pay compensation
- Complete repairs
- Make changes to processes
While the scheme aims to resolve disputes outside of court, it also increases scrutiny and makes professional documentation and communication even more essential.
5. Fitness for Human Habitation: New inspection focus
Exeter landlords must also prepare for increased local authority inspections under the FFHH (Fitness for Human Habitation) standard.
Key areas under review:
- Damp and mould prevention
- Ventilation and insulation
- Fire safety and smoke alarms
- Structural integrity
- Heating and hot water systems
Exeter City Council has confirmed that enforcement staff will begin random checks from spring 2026 – with fines for non-compliance reaching up to £30,000 per breach.
Hunters Exeter landlord services: How we help you stay compliant
Letting property in 2026 requires more than a good tenant and a Gas Safety check.
At Hunters Exeter, our Fully Managed service gives you total peace of mind – without giving up control.
Here’s what we handle for our landlords:
Digital document management
- Registering your property on the National Portal
- Uploading EPCs, EICRs, safety certs and tenancy agreements
- Storing compliance documents for fast access
Legally compliant tenancy setup
- Creating updated tenancy agreements
- Managing periodic tenancy transitions
- Issuing all required pre-tenancy documents
- Registering deposits correctly
Rent and arrears management
- Rent collection
- Automated reminders and statements
- Early intervention for arrears
- Professional Section 8 notice serving (if required)
Repairs and maintenance
- Handling all tenant repair requests
- Using qualified local contractors
- Keeping detailed records for dispute protection
- Ensuring properties meet FFHH standards
Inspections and reporting
- Regular mid-tenancy inspections
- Reports with photos
- Early warning of damage or wear
- Supporting evidence for tenancy end or dispute resolution
End of tenancy and deposit handling
- Final inspections
- Inventory comparison
- Deposit return or dispute management
- Fast re-marketing for next tenancy
Real landlord concerns and how we solve them
“What if my tenant leaves with no notice under the new rules?”
We advise on flexible rent structures, quick-turnaround marketing, and setting aside reserve funds. Our tenant vetting process also screens for long-term commitment.
“I don’t have time to keep track of certificates and portal uploads.”
We do this for you – and flag renewals well in advance. You’ll always be legally covered, with nothing falling through the cracks.
“What if I’m not ready for the switch to periodic tenancies?”
We guide you through each step, convert your documents, and help set realistic expectations with tenants – so you stay compliant without confusion.
Exeter property management in 2026: Why local matters
Letting laws may be national but how they’re enforced varies by council.
At Hunters Exeter, we stay up to date with:
- Local licensing rules
- Enforcement practices by Exeter City Council
- Common tenant expectations in areas like St Thomas, Heavitree, and Newtown
- What types of homes are most likely to be inspected or flagged
Whether you own a flat near the Quayside or a house in Pinhoe, we ensure your local compliance is just as strong as your national compliance.
Final thoughts: Don’t wait for enforcement letters
The Renters’ Rights Act is now law, and 2026 is the year of action.
If you delay updating your processes, you risk:
- Fines
- Invalid possession notices
- Tenant disputes
- Missed rent
- Damage to your reputation
But with the right partner, compliance doesn’t have to be complicated.
Book your free 2026 landlord compliance review
At Hunters Exeter, we’ll audit your tenancy setup, paperwork and certificates and create a clear, simple action plan to protect your income and keep you covered.
