In October 2026, Stourbridge landlords should review compliance with the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which began in May. Whether you let one Wordsley home or a portfolio across Lye and Amblecote, the tenancy rules have changed, with later reforms still to follow.
This isn’t a drill. Non-compliance now carries fines of up to £40,000 (GOV.UK, May 2026), and a second phase of legislation is on its way before the year is out. The good news? The changes are manageable if you act now.
Here’s what you need to know – in plain English.
What the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 actually changes
The Act rewrites the rulebook on private renting across England. Four changes matter most to Stourbridge landlords right now.
Section 21 is abolished.
No-fault evictions are gone. You can no longer serve a Section 21 notice to end a tenancy without giving a reason. If you need to regain possession of your property – whether it’s a terrace in Lye or a flat near Stourbridge town centre – you’ll need to rely on the updated Section 8 grounds.
These grounds have been expanded and strengthened, so there are still legitimate routes to possession. But the process is more structured, and the paperwork matters more than ever.
Private assured tenancies are now assured periodic tenancies.
Fixed-term tenancies no longer exist in the private rented sector. Every private assured tenancy – new or existing – is now an Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) running on a rolling basis.
For tenants, this means greater security. For landlords, it means you need to understand how APTs work and how to manage them correctly from day one.
Rent increases are capped to once per year.
You can only increase rent once every 12 months, and you must give your tenants at least two months’ written notice. Tenants also have the right to challenge any increase they consider above market rate through a first-tier tribunal.
This isn’t a rent freeze – it’s a framework. Managed properly, it’s straightforward. Managed poorly, it can lead to disputes.
Fines for non-compliance are serious.
Breaches of the new rules carry civil penalties of up to £40,000 for serious or repeated offences (GOV.UK, May 2026). Local councils are responsible for enforcement, and they have new powers to investigate and act.
Why Stourbridge landlords need to pay attention now
Stourbridge’s private rental market is strong. Calculate gross yield from achievable annual rent and the individual property’s purchase price. An area-wide percentage needs dated, comparable evidence. These are healthy numbers – and they’re worth protecting.
Demand for rental homes across Stourbridge, Amblecote, Wollaston and the surrounding areas remains consistently high. The town’s commuter links into Birmingham and the Black Country, combined with its mix of affordable housing stock, keep tenant demand buoyant.
That makes compliance not just a legal obligation – it’s a commercial one. A well-managed, compliant tenancy protects your yield. A dispute, a fine, or a tribunal hearing does the opposite.
Phase 2 is coming – and the window is narrow
The PRS Database and Ombudsman
The database and Ombudsman are part of the next phase but follow different timetables. The PRS Database is planned for staged introduction from late 2026; mandatory Ombudsman membership is expected in 2028.
Landlords will need to register, as the database requirements apply to them. Gather property and compliance details, and follow the official deadlines rather than assuming registration is already required in October.
The future PRS Landlord Ombudsman will give tenants an independent complaints route. It is separate from existing letting-agent redress schemes.
Do not assume both obligations become mandatory before the end of 2026. Prepare your records and monitor the published rollout.
The steps Stourbridge landlords should take right now
Audit your tenancy agreements.
Check every tenancy agreement in your portfolio. Fixed-term tenancies that were in place before 1 May 2026 have now automatically converted to Assured Periodic Tenancies. Make sure your records reflect this and that any new agreements are correctly drafted under the new rules.
Review your rent review process.
If you’re planning a rent increase, make sure you’re following the correct process. You’ll need to use the prescribed Section 13 notice, give two months’ written notice, and ensure you haven’t increased rent within the last 12 months.
Get this wrong, and a tenant can challenge the increase – and win.
Understand the updated Section 8 grounds.
Section 8 is now your only route to possession. Familiarise yourself with the updated grounds, particularly those relating to rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, and landlord redevelopment. Grounds have been reformed, and some notice periods have changed.
Prepare for PRS Database registration.
Start gathering the information you’ll need to register on the PRS Database. This is likely to include property addresses, EPC ratings, gas safety certificates, and landlord contact details. Getting your compliance documents in order now will save time when registration opens.
Join a redress scheme.
Landlords should prepare for future mandatory PRS Ombudsman membership. Letting agents already have separate redress obligations; joining an agent scheme does not necessarily meet a landlord’s future requirement.
How professional management helps
Managing a rental property in Stourbridge has always required time and knowledge. Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, the administrative and legal demands have increased significantly.
A professional letting agent can handle rent increase notices, tenancy documentation, Section 8 proceedings, and compliance tracking on your behalf – so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Whether you’re a first-time landlord in Wordsley or an experienced investor with multiple properties across Lye, Amblecote, and Stourbridge town centre, the right support makes a real difference.
Your next step
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 isn’t going away, and Phase 2 is approaching fast. The landlords who act now – reviewing their tenancies, updating their processes, and getting the right support in place – will be the ones who protect their investments and their yields.
Hunters Stourbridge is here to help you do exactly that. Our lettings team knows the local market inside out, from the terraced rentals in Lye to the family homes in Wollaston, and we’re ready to help you stay compliant and confident under the new rules.
Book a free valuation today and find out exactly where your rental stands – get in touch with Hunters Stourbridge to talk through your portfolio and what the Act means for you. Let’s make sure your rental is set up for success, not stress.
Hunters Stourbridge – here to get you there.
