The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now law, and if you own rental property in Kendal, you’ll want to know exactly what it means for you. The good news? The local picture is far more positive than the national headlines suggest.
The Westmorland Gazette has reported no significant landlord exodus from the Kendal market. Demand from tenants remains strong, void periods for well-presented homes are sitting under two weeks, and yields in postcodes like LA9 4, Greenside, and Town View are holding up well. This is not a market in retreat.
Let’s look at what’s changed, what you need to do, and why Kendal is still a strong place to be a landlord in 2026.
What the Renters’ Rights Act actually changes
The Act introduces some of the biggest shifts to the private rented sector in a generation. Here’s what matters most for Kendal landlords.
The end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
Section 21 evictions are now abolished. You can no longer ask a tenant to leave without giving a legal reason. Grounds for possession still exist under Section 8, including rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, and the need to sell or move back into the property. You’ll just need to use those grounds properly and document everything.
If you manage a flat near Stricklandgate or a terrace in Greenside, this means keeping clear, dated records of all communications with tenants from day one.
Periodic tenancies become the default
Fixed-term tenancies are being phased out. All tenancies will move to rolling periodic agreements. Tenants can leave with two months’ notice at any time, so your approach to tenant selection and property presentation matters more than ever.
For landlords with family lets in Sandylands or Oxenholme, this reinforces the value of finding the right long-term tenant rather than simply filling the property quickly.
Rent increase rules are tightening
Landlords can now only increase rent once per year, and tenants have stronger rights to challenge increases through a tribunal. Rent rises must reflect open market value. Keeping rents competitive and well-evidenced will be important going forward.
Why Kendal’s rental market is still working in your favour
It’s easy to read the national commentary and feel anxious. The local reality in Kendal tells a different story.
Demand is outpacing supply
Kendal draws a consistent stream of renters: NHS staff at Westmorland General Hospital, Cumbria County Council workers, and commuters using the Oxenholme rail link to Lancaster, Preston, and beyond. These are reliable, employed tenants looking for well-managed homes.
That demand isn’t going anywhere. The town’s position as the commercial hub of Westmorland and Furness means the working population continues to grow.
Void periods are short for the right properties
Well-presented homes in Kendal are letting in under two weeks. That’s a strong signal. It tells you that tenants are active, motivated, and ready to commit when a property is well maintained and fairly priced.
If your property sits empty for longer, it’s worth looking at presentation, pricing, and compliance rather than blaming the legislation.
Yields remain solid in key areas
LA9 4, Greenside, and Town View are among the strongest-performing areas for rental yield in the local market. Terraced homes and flats in these areas continue to attract steady demand from young professionals and small families.
If you own property in these areas, you’re well positioned — provided your compliance is in order.
What Kendal landlords should do right now
The Act is in force. The time for waiting to see what happens has passed. Here’s a practical checklist.
Review your tenancy documentation
All agreements should reflect the new periodic tenancy rules. If you’re using older fixed-term templates, update them now. Make sure your tenancy agreements, rent review clauses, and possession notices are all legally current.
Check your compliance basics
The fundamentals matter more than ever under the new regime. Make sure you have:
• A valid gas safety certificate
• An up-to-date electrical installation condition report (EICR)
• A current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — minimum E rating required, with stricter standards on the horizon
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• A correctly protected deposit with a government-approved scheme
Think about your tenant relationship
With Section 21 gone, a good tenant relationship is your best asset. Clear communication, prompt repairs, and fair rent reviews reduce the risk of disputes and keep good tenants in place longer.
Landlords with multiple properties across Kendal should consider whether their current management approach scales well under the new rules.
Consider professional management
The administrative burden on landlords has increased significantly. A letting agent who knows the Kendal market, understands the new legislation, and manages compliance on your behalf can save you time, reduce risk, and protect your income.
The bigger picture for Kendal landlords
The Renters’ Rights Act is a genuine shift, but it doesn’t make Kendal a bad place to invest. Strong local demand, short void periods, and solid yields in areas like LA9 4 and Greenside mean the fundamentals are sound.
What’s changed is the expectation around how you manage your properties. Compliance, communication, and presentation are no longer optional extras. They’re the baseline.
Landlords who adapt will continue to do well here. Those who don’t may find the new rules harder to navigate.
Let Hunters Kendal help you stay ahead
At Hunters Kendal, we work with landlords across the town — from single-property owners to those with larger portfolios — helping them stay compliant, find good tenants, and protect their rental income.
Whether you need a full management service or just a second opinion on your current setup, our team knows the Kendal market and the new legislation inside out.
Book a free valuation today to find out what your property is worth in the current market, and let’s talk about how to make your letting work harder for you in 2026.
Get in touch with the Hunters Kendal branch directly to speak with a member of our lettings team. We’re here to get you there.
