If you let out your property in Skipton, the rules changed on 1 May 2026. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into force across England, and fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) are no longer the default. Every new tenancy is now a periodic tenancy from day one. If you’re a landlord in Middletown, near the station, or renting to families in Embsay, Carleton, or Gargrave, this affects you directly.
Here’s what you need to know.
What changed on 1 May 2026
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 abolished fixed-term ASTs for new tenancies in England. From 1 May 2026, all new assured tenancies are periodic — meaning they roll on a monthly basis with no fixed end date.
Existing fixed-term tenancies that were already in place before 1 May 2026 will convert to periodic tenancies when they reach their natural end date. So even if you signed a 12-month agreement last autumn, you’ll need to be ready for the new rules when that term expires.
This is one of the biggest shifts in English landlord-tenant law in decades. The good news is that understanding the new framework clearly puts you in a much stronger position.
How periodic tenancies work in practice
Under the new system, a tenancy starts and continues on a rolling basis. There’s no fixed end date. Tenants can end the tenancy by giving two months’ written notice at any time.
For landlords, possession can only be sought through one of the specific grounds set out in the Act. You can no longer use a Section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction notice — that has been abolished entirely.
Grounds for possession landlords need to know
The Act sets out a list of grounds through which a landlord can apply to end a tenancy. These include:
- Rent arrears (ground 8 remains, but with stricter thresholds)
- The landlord or a close family member intending to move into the property
- The landlord intends to sell the property
- Serious anti-social behaviour
- Repeated breach of tenancy obligations
Each ground has specific notice periods and, in many cases, requires a court order. Keeping clear records from the start of every tenancy is essential.
What this means for Skipton landlords specifically
Skipton’s rental market is competitive. Demand is consistently strong, particularly for commuter lets near Skipton station, where tenants can reach Leeds in around 40 minutes. Supply, however, remains tight across the town.
In Middletown, terraced properties let quickly and often attract long-term tenants. In Embsay and Carleton, families let close to well-regarded school catchments and green space see sustained demand. Gargrave, just a few miles west, draws tenants who want a quieter village feel without losing access to Skipton’s amenities.
In a market like this, most landlords won’t want to lose good tenants. But the shift to periodic tenancies still requires careful planning — especially around rent increases and record-keeping.
Rent increases under the new rules
You can only increase rent once per year under a periodic tenancy. You must use a Section 13 notice and give at least two months’ written notice of any increase.
Tenants have the right to challenge a proposed increase at the first-tier tribunal if they believe it’s above market rate. This makes it more important than ever to set rent at a fair, well-evidenced level from the outset — and to document your reasoning if you do increase it.
For landlords with properties near Aireville Park or in the Embsay village catchment, where family tenants often stay for several years, this annual review process needs to be built into your management calendar.
Notice periods and tenancy planning
Tenants must give two months’ notice to leave. Landlords must use the correct possession ground and serve the correct notice period for that ground, which varies depending on the reason.
For landlords managing multiple properties across Skipton and the surrounding villages, keeping on top of individual tenancy timelines is more demanding under the new system. A clear record for each property — covering tenancy start date, rent review dates, any notices served, and correspondence with tenants — is no longer optional. It’s a practical necessity.
Record-keeping: don’t underestimate it
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, landlords are expected to maintain accurate records and comply with a new Private Rented Sector Database. This is a national register of landlords and properties, and registration is a legal requirement.
If you’re a portfolio landlord with properties across Skipton, Embsay and Gargrave, registering each property correctly and keeping records up to date is a significant administrative commitment. Missing a step can affect your ability to use possession grounds later.
Why local landlords need better tenancy planning now
The shift to periodic tenancies isn’t just a legal change — it’s a shift in how you manage the relationship with your tenants from day one. In a town like Skipton, where good rental properties are in short supply and tenant demand is strong, most landlords benefit from long, stable tenancies. The new rules actually support that — but only if you’re set up to manage them properly.
Getting the initial tenancy agreement right, setting a fair rent, building in annual reviews, and keeping thorough records are the foundations of compliant, stress-free letting in 2026.
How Hunters Skipton can help
Hunters Skipton works with landlords across the town and surrounding villages — from single-property landlords in Middletown to portfolio landlords with lets in Carleton, Embsay and Gargrave. The team understands the local market and the compliance demands that come with managing tenancies under the new Act.
Whether you want full management or just a compliance health check on your current tenancies, Hunters Skipton is here to help you stay on the right side of the law and keep your rental running smoothly.
Get in touch with the Hunters Skipton branch today to talk through your tenancy arrangements and find out what support is available.
Ready to find out what your Skipton rental property is worth in the current market? Book a free valuation today, and let’s make your rental a success in 2026 and beyond.
