On May 1st, 2026, the rental landscape in England will change in one of the most significant ways in a generation.
The Renters’ Rights Act – which has been introduced in stages since 2024 – will officially phase out Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions. For landlords in Lichfield and across Staffordshire, this means new rules, new responsibilities, and a greater need for professional support.
This guide will help you prepare, comply and protect your rental investment in the face of major legislative change. Whether you’re managing a single home or an entire portfolio, now is the time to act.
Let’s walk through the changes and what they mean for you.
The end of Section 21: what it means for landlords
From May 2026, landlords will no longer be able to use Section 21 to evict tenants without giving a specific reason.
Instead, you’ll need to use Section 8, which means providing a legally valid ground for possession. These grounds have been expanded under the new legislation, but they come with new procedures and more scrutiny.
What does this mean in practice?
- Longer notice periods in most cases
- More robust paperwork and evidence required
- Potential for more tenant disputes and tribunal referrals
In short: possession will now take more planning, more proof, and more patience.
Landlord compliance incompliance Lichfield 2026: what’s changing?
The Renters’ Rights Act aims to create a fairer and more balanced rental market. But for landlords, this means adapting quickly to stay compliant.
Key changes from May 2026 include:
- Abolition of fixed-term tenancies: All new tenancies will be periodic from the start, with no set end date.
- Revised possession grounds: New Section 8 grounds for selling the property or moving back in.
- Notice periods: Adjusted based on the reason for possession.
- Pet requests: Tenants can request pets and landlords must have a valid reason to refuse.
- Stronger enforcement: Councils and tenants can challenge unlawful evictions more easily.
The new Section 8 grounds: a closer look
Landlords will still be able to gain possession, but only under specific circumstances. Some of the most relevant grounds include:
- Selling the property: You must show intent to sell andsell, and give at least 2 months’ notice.
- Landlord or family moving in: Applies to certain types of tenancies.
- Serious rent arrears: Still a valid ground, but must meet new thresholds.
- Repeated anti-social behaviour: Stronger grounds, but still requires evidence.
Timing and accuracy are critical. If the notice isn’t served properly, or the evidence is incomplete, your case may be thrown out.
This is where many DIY landlords may run into difficulties.
What this means for Lichfield landlords
Lichfield has a diverse rental market. From period properties in the city centre to modern homes in Streethay and Fradley, it attracts families, professionals and retirees.
But with the new law, even well-managed homes could become harder to reclaim without the right processes in place.
Many local landlords still manage properties themselves – often successfully. But legal changes like this make self-management riskier and more time-consuming.
Some of the specific risks in Lichfield include:
- Not having compliant tenancy agreements ready for the new rules
- Misunderstanding which grounds apply to your situation
- Serving outdated or incorrect notices
- Falling behind on safety certification and digital records
This could affect your ability to:
- Raise rent
- Regain possession
- Defend against tenant claims
Rental yields Lichfield 2026: resilience with the right setup
The good news? Lichfield remains a strong investment location.
According to the latest figures:
- Average rental yield: 4.9% across Staffordshire
- Lichfield city centre: higher-than-average yields due to commuter demand
- Fradley and Streethay: growing interest from tenants looking for new-build homes
Landlords who stay compliant and offer energy-efficient, well-managed homes are enjoying:
- Lower void periods
- Better tenant retention
- Stronger rents despite broader market pressures
The key to protecting your yields in 2026? Minimise risk, maximise consistency. That’s where professional property management comes in.
Fully managed lettings in Staffordshire: why it matters more in 2026
Navigating compliance, notices and property standards takes time – and the consequences of errors are only increasing.
At Hunters Lichfield, our Fully Managed service is built for landlords who want:
- Complete legal compliance
- Stress-free tenant handling
- Rent collection and arrears chasing
- 24/7 maintenance support
- Protection from avoidable fines or disputes
As the May 2026 deadline approaches, we’re already updating tenancy agreements, preparing notice templates, and training our team on the new Section 8 process.
If you’re still managing your own lets, now is the time to consider switching.
A roadmap for Lichfield landlords: what to do before May
Not sure where to start? Here’s a step-by-step compliance checklist:
- Review all current tenancy agreements
Ensure they align with the upcoming transition to periodic-only tenancies. - Update your notice processes
Stop using Section 21 from early spring and prepare Section 8 templates based on valid grounds. - Confirm your documentation
Make sure your tenancy deposit protection, EPC, EICR and gas safety records are up to date. - Establish clear rent and arrears processes
These are essential for legal possession under the new rules. - Speak to a lettings expert
Whether you need ad hoc advice or full management, getting professional input can save stress and money.
Common compliance risks we’re already seeing
At Hunters Lichfield, we’ve already reviewed dozens of portfolios in preparation for the May 2026 changes. The most common issues?
- Outdated tenancy agreements with fixed-term clauses
- No written record of communication with tenants
- Missed or expired gas safety and electrical certificates
- Deposit schemes not properly documented
These are all fixable – but only if addressed now.
What happens if you get it wrong?
Failure to comply with the Renters’ Rights Act reforms can lead to:
- Loss of possession rights
- Tenant claims for illegal eviction
- Civil penalties from the local council
- Delays of several months when trying to remove a problem tenant
With the end of Section 21, there’s less room for informal processes or short-term fixes.
Landlords will need to be:
- Legally accurate
- Organised with digital documentation
- Clear and fair with tenants
Our property management team ensures all of this is handled for you.
Property management Staffordshire: local knowledge, national standards
Hunters is a national brand with strong roots in Lichfield. Our team knows the local rental market inside out, and we understand the day-to-day reality of being a landlord in 2026.
We help with:
- Letting your property to the right tenant
- Staying compliant with evolving legislation
- Managing inspections, maintenance and renewals
- Serving notices and handling possession legally
And because property is personal, we tailor everything to your property, your goals, and your risk profile.
How to futureproof your Lichfield rental investment
The rental market is changing, but with the right support, it remains a reliable long-term asset.
Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Don’t wait until May to change your processes
- Get expert help with the legal side of lettings
- Improve your energy efficiency rating to attract better tenants
- Document everything from tenancy start to renewal
Hunters Lichfield is here to help you stay profitable, compliant and in control.
Final thoughts: compliance brings confidence
May 1st, 2026 isn’t just another date in the lettings calendar. It marks a new way of operating as a landlord.
The removal of Section 21 changes the rules, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t need to change your income.
Let Hunters Lichfield take the pressure off.
Book your free valuation with us
Because property is personal. And so is peace of mind.
