If you’re a landlord in Manchester — whether you own a single flat in Ancoats, a portfolio of terraces in Gorton, or a block of apartments in Salford — the Renters’ Rights Act has introduced the biggest changes to England’s private rented sector in a generation. It’s not a minor update. It’s a fundamental shift in how the private rented sector operates.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of what’s changed and what you need to do next.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
The Renters’ Rights Act is now in force in England and has introduced wide-ranging reforms to the private rented sector. The legislation is designed to provide tenants with greater security while giving landlords a clearer legal framework for managing tenancies.
For Manchester’s high-density rental market — where areas such as Hulme, Ardwick, Cheetham Hill, Old Trafford and neighbouring Salford have high concentrations of privately rented homes — the changes affect how new tenancies are created, how possession is recovered and how landlords manage their properties.
The key changes every Manchester landlord needs to know
The end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions have been abolished. Landlords wishing to recover possession of a property must now rely on one of the statutory grounds for possession set out in the legislation. These include persistent rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, intending to sell the property, or the landlord or a qualifying family member needing to move into the home where the relevant legal conditions are met.
For landlords across Salford, Miles Platting and Gorton, keeping accurate tenancy records and following the correct legal process has become more important than ever. Good tenancy management is no longer simply best practice — it’s an essential part of remaining compliant.
Periodic tenancies are now the standard
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, new residential tenancies are periodic from the outset rather than fixed-term. This gives tenants greater flexibility while requiring landlords to plan more carefully for tenancy changes and potential void periods.
If you manage multiple properties across areas such as Ancoats or Old Trafford, taking a proactive approach to tenancy management can help minimise disruption and protect your rental income.
Rent increases: following the correct legal process
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords must follow the statutory process when increasing rent. Tenants have the right to challenge proposed rent increases through the First-tier Tribunal if they believe the proposed rent exceeds the market rate.
In practice, this means your rent review process should be properly documented, carried out at appropriate intervals and supported by local market evidence. Setting the right rent at the beginning of the tenancy has become more important than ever.
The Decent Homes Standard and property condition
The Renters’ Rights Act strengthens expectations around housing quality across the private rented sector. Landlords are expected to ensure their properties are free from serious hazards, are kept in a reasonable state of repair and provide a safe living environment for tenants.
Manchester City Council already carries out proactive housing enforcement in parts of the city where housing conditions are a concern. The updated legal framework reinforces the importance of maintaining properties to a high standard and addressing problems promptly.
Awaab’s Law and responding to hazards
Following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale, Awaab’s Law introduced stricter requirements around investigating and resolving serious hazards such as damp and mould.
The Renters’ Rights Act extends similar expectations across the private rented sector. Landlords should have effective systems in place to investigate reports of damp, mould and other serious hazards promptly, keep records of inspections and repairs, and complete remedial work within the required legal framework.
Responding quickly not only helps maintain compliance but also protects tenant wellbeing and the long-term condition of the property.
The new Private Rented Sector Database
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a new Private Rented Sector Database for landlords in England as part of the wider reforms.
As implementation continues, landlords should keep up to date with government guidance on registration requirements and ensure they comply with any obligations that apply to their properties.
Hunters Manchester can help landlords understand how these requirements affect their portfolio as further guidance becomes available.
What this means for Manchester’s rental market
Manchester remains one of the UK’s busiest rental markets outside London. Demand continues to be supported by young professionals, graduates, students, healthcare workers and employees across the city’s growing business districts.
Neighbourhoods including Ancoats, Salford, Hulme, Ardwick, Old Trafford, Cheetham Hill and Gorton continue to attract a wide range of tenants thanks to their transport links, employment opportunities and access to universities and the city centre.
Recent rental market data from major property portals continues to show that demand for rental homes across Greater Manchester remains strong, although affordability pressures mean tenants are increasingly selective and expect well-maintained, energy-efficient homes that offer good value.
The Renters’ Rights Act does not reduce the underlying demand for rental accommodation. However, it does raise expectations around compliance, record-keeping and property standards.
Landlords who understand the legislation, keep their properties well maintained and develop positive relationships with tenants are likely to be well placed in Manchester’s evolving rental market.
Practical steps to take now
Although the Renters’ Rights Act is now in force, it’s important to review your tenancy management practices and ensure you’re meeting the latest legal requirements. Taking action now can help reduce risk and make day-to-day property management more straightforward.
Here’s where to start:
- Review your current tenancy agreements and understand how they operate under the new periodic tenancy system.
- Familiarise yourself with the statutory grounds for possession and ensure you understand the legal process should you ever need to recover possession of your property.
- Review your rent review procedures and make sure any future rent increases follow the statutory process.
- Keep accurate records of tenancy agreements, inspections, maintenance work, repairs and all communications with tenants.
- Inspect your properties regularly and deal promptly with issues such as damp, mould, leaks or other hazards before they become more serious.
- Check that all compliance documents remain up to date, including gas safety certificates, Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where required, deposit protection and the prescribed information.
- Keep informed about the introduction of the Private Rented Sector Database and any registration requirements that apply to your properties.
- Review your property management processes to ensure they remain compliant as further guidance and secondary legislation are introduced.
Preparing early can help avoid unnecessary delays, reduce compliance risks and provide greater confidence for both landlords and tenants.
How Hunters Manchester supports landlords through change
Hunters Manchester works with landlords across the city centre, Salford, Ancoats, Miles Platting, Hulme, Ardwick, Gorton, Cheetham Hill and Old Trafford. The team understands the opportunities and challenges that come with managing rental property across Greater Manchester’s diverse neighbourhoods.
Whether you’re letting your first investment property or managing an established portfolio, having experienced local support can make navigating legislative change significantly easier.
Hunters Manchester can help with:
- Rental valuations based on current local market evidence.
- Marketing your property to suitable tenants.
- Tenant referencing and compliance checks.
- Ongoing property management and maintenance coordination.
- Keeping landlords informed about changes to rental legislation and compliance requirements.
- Advice on maximising rental performance while maintaining high standards of property management.
With legislation continuing to evolve, working with a knowledgeable local letting agent can help ensure your property remains compliant while reducing the administrative burden of managing a tenancy.
Get the right advice for your Manchester rental property
The Renters’ Rights Act has introduced a new legal framework for landlords across England. Understanding your responsibilities and reviewing your property management procedures now can help you remain compliant and protect your investment over the long term.
Whether you’re reviewing your rental strategy, preparing a property for new tenants or simply want reassurance that you’re meeting the latest legal requirements, professional advice can make the process much easier.
Book a free rental valuation with Hunters Manchester to find out what your property could achieve in the current market and discuss how recent legislative changes may affect your letting strategy.
If you’d like to talk through your options first, get in touch with the Hunters Manchester branch directly. The team can answer your questions, explain the latest requirements and help you plan your next steps with confidence.
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