By Andrew Procter, Director at Hunters Skipton
The Renters (Reform) Bill — often called the Renters’ Rights Bill — is now well on its way to becoming law, with several key measures expected to come into force from early 2026. For landlords in Skipton and Craven, these changes mark a turning point in how the private rental sector is regulated and how we manage tenancies moving forward.
Whether you’re an experienced landlord or just thinking about investing in property in Craven, it’s essential to understand how the Bill could affect your income, obligations, and long-term plans.
What is the Renters’ Rights Bill?
The Renters’ Rights Bill is the government’s latest attempt to rebalance the rental market — aiming to give tenants more security, improve housing standards, and increase accountability. While many of the proposals have been discussed for years, we’re now in the implementation phase.
As of October 2025, the following updates are confirmed:
- Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions will be abolished in 2026
- All new tenancies will be periodic by default
- Landlords must join a mandatory ombudsman scheme
- A new digital property portal will be launched
- Tenants will gain more rights around pets
- The Decent Homes Standard will be extended to private rentals
Let’s break down what these changes mean for landlords in and around Skipton.
Say goodbye to Section 21
From 2026, landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without giving a reason. Section 21 notices are being abolished, meaning landlords must now rely on updated Section 8 grounds if they want to regain possession – for example, if a tenant falls into rent arrears, breaches the tenancy agreement, or the landlord needs to sell or move in.
What this means for Skipton and Craven landlords:
You’ll need strong tenancy agreements and clear documentation to serve notice legally. If you’ve previously used Section 21 as a safety net, it’s time to rethink your strategy.
Periodic tenancies only
All new tenancies in England will now be periodic from day one. This means:
- No more fixed-term agreements
- Tenants can give two months’ notice at any time
- Landlords can only end the tenancy using valid grounds
Why this matters in Craven:
Skipton and Craven has a mix of long-term and short-term lets, including those serving commuters, students, and families. Periodic tenancies may reduce predictability for some landlords, so ensuring strong communication and reliable tenants will become even more important.
Every landlord must join a redress scheme
Under the Bill, all private landlords – even those who self-manage – must join a government-approved ombudsman scheme. This gives tenants a clear route to raise complaints and seek resolution without going to court.
The benefit?
Handled well, this will increase professionalism across the sector and improve tenant relationships. It’s also a chance for good landlords to stand out.
A new property portal is on the way
A national digital property portal will be introduced to help landlords track compliance and help tenants make informed decisions. Landlords will be expected to register their properties and keep details up to date, including:
- Safety certificates
- EPC ratings
- Deposit protection
- Licensing (if applicable)
For landlords in Skipton:
This portal is likely to be a one-stop shop for enforcement and visibility. It’ll be vital to keep your documents current and accurate to avoid penalties.
New rules on pets
The Bill gives tenants the right to request a pet, and landlords can’t unreasonably refuse. You’ll still be allowed to require pet insurance or additional safeguards — but blanket bans are no longer allowed.
For local landlords:
Skipton is full of dog walkers and nature lovers. Offering pet-friendly rentals — with clear conditions — could boost demand and improve your yields.
Decent Homes Standard extended to private rentals
This is a big one. The same minimum standard currently applied to social housing will now apply to all private rental homes, too. This includes:
- Safe, warm, and dry homes
- Proper kitchen and bathroom facilities
- No serious hazards (such as damp, mould, or poor wiring)
For landlords with older or period properties in Skipton & The Yorkshire Dales:
Now’s the time to review your property condition, especially if you haven’t updated interiors or checked compliance in a while.
What landlords should do next
The Renters’ Rights Bill brings big changes, but with the right approach, landlords can stay compliant and competitive. Here’s where to start:
- Review your tenancy templates with a legal or lettings expert
- Inspect your properties for hazards or potential improvement areas
- Register with the upcoming ombudsman and property portal
- Update your processes around notice, renewals, and repairs
- Work with a knowledgeable local agent who can guide you
At Hunters Skipton, we’re already helping landlords across Skipton, Craven & The Yorkshire Dales prepare for what’s ahead – from updating documentation to advising on compliance and portfolio strategy.
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