In October 2026, landlords in Tamworth, Glascote, Wilnecote, Dordon, Polesworth, Atherstone and the surrounding villages should review compliance with the tenancy reforms introduced in May. Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act is in force; the database rollout and other later reforms follow separate timetables.
This isn’t a case of “wait and see”. The rules have changed. Penalties are real. And the landlords who act quickly are the ones who’ll stay protected.
Here’s exactly what you need to know – and what to do next.
What changed on 1 May 2026
The Renters’ Rights Act introduced several sweeping changes in one go. Understanding each one is the first step to staying compliant.
Section 21 is abolished.
No new Section 21 notices can be served for private assured tenancies in England from 1 May 2026. In October, landlords should use the applicable Section 8 grounds and obtain advice on any proceedings begun under the transitional rules.
This is the most significant change for landlords across the B77, B78, B79 and CV9 postcodes. If you’ve been relying on Section 21 as a backstop, it’s time to get familiar with Section 8.
Fixed-term tenancies are replaced.
All assured shorthold tenancies – including fixed-term agreements – have been converted to rolling periodic tenancies. There are no more fixed end dates. Tenants can leave with two months’ notice at any point. Landlords must now use Section 8 grounds to end a tenancy.
The Information Sheet deadline has passed.
Landlords with existing tenants had until 31 May 2026 to issue the government’s prescribed Information Sheet. If you missed that deadline, you’re now exposed to fines of up to £7,000.
If you haven’t issued it yet, do it today. Don’t wait.
Using Section 8 correctly – your new route to possession
For a private assured tenancy, Section 8 provides the landlord’s possession route where the tenant does not agree to leave. Use a valid ground, the correct notice and the court process if the tenant remains; possession must be enforced lawfully.
The key mandatory grounds
The Renters’ Rights Act has strengthened and expanded Section 8 grounds. The most commonly used mandatory grounds include:
Ground 8 – at least three months’ rent arrears, or 13 weeks where rent is paid weekly or fortnightly, at both the notice and hearing dates. The notice period is four weeks; benefit-related arrears exclusions must also be checked.
Ground 1A – a genuine intention to sell, with four months’ notice and protection against eviction on this ground in the tenancy’s first 12 months. Restrictions on marketing and re-letting apply for 12 months after the relevant notice or possession event.
Ground 1 – occupation by the landlord or a qualifying family member, with four months’ notice and the same first-year tenant protection. Check the applicable 12-month marketing and re-letting restrictions before using this ground.
Existing discretionary grounds cover persistent late payment, lower rent arrears and antisocial behaviour. Their conditions, evidence requirements and notice periods differ from the mandatory grounds.
Getting the paperwork right
Every Section 8 notice must be served correctly to be valid. Errors in the notice – wrong dates, missing prescribed information, incorrect grounds – can invalidate the whole process.
If you manage properties in areas like Fazeley, Stoneydelph, Dosthill or Kingsbury, and you’re unsure about serving notices correctly, take professional advice before you act. Hunters Tamworth can point you in the right direction.
The compliance checklist every Tamworth landlord needs
Here’s a plain-English checklist to work through right now.
Immediate actions
Issue the government’s prescribed Information Sheet to any existing tenant who hasn’t received it – fines of up to £7,000 apply if you haven’t done this.
Review private assured tenancy agreements. Most existing ASTs became assured periodic tenancies in May; new agreements must reflect the applicable periodic tenancy rules. Other tenancy types and exemptions require separate checks.
Remove any Section 21 notices from your processes and templates. They’re no longer valid.
Familiarise yourself with the Section 8 grounds that apply to your situation – particularly if you’re planning to sell or move back into a property in areas like Polesworth, Dordon, Warton or Shuttington.
Actions to prepare for Phase 2
Phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act is still to come. Two major obligations are on the horizon:
Registration on the PRS database will cover landlords and properties let on assured or regulated tenancies, subject to exemptions. Public access and advertising requirements will follow later guidance.
Compulsory membership of the PRS Landlord Ombudsman – all private landlords will be required to join, giving tenants a formal route to raise complaints.
Use October to gather property details, safety records and EPC information. Database registration opens in December 2026, with the West Midlands registration deadline in March 2027 and an annual £65 fee per property. The Ombudsman follows a separate implementation timetable; check official guidance before treating later measures as current obligations.
What this means for landlords across north warwickshire
In October, landlords across Tamworth and surrounding villages – from Amington and Hopwas to Baddesley Ensor, Wood End and Clifton Campville – should review achievable rents against comparable local homes. Demand and supply differ by street, property type and price; a local appraisal is more useful than a blanket market assumption.
But the landlords who thrive under the new rules won’t be the ones who panic. They’ll be the ones who are organised, compliant and working with the right people.
Self-managing landlords must keep track of tenancy notices, safety records and future registration requirements themselves. Appointing a managing agent can provide practical support, but landlords retain their legal responsibilities; self-management alone does not establish that a landlord is at higher risk.
Whether you manage one property in Drayton Bassett or a portfolio across Elford, Harlaston and Edingale, the administrative load has increased. Knowing your Section 8 grounds, keeping records watertight and staying ahead of Phase 2 obligations isn’t optional – it’s essential.
How Hunters Tamworth can help
Hunters Tamworth has been helping landlords across the area navigate lettings legislation for years. The Renters’ Rights Act is a significant shift, but it’s manageable – especially with the right support.
From reviewing your tenancy agreements and compliance documents to advising on the correct Section 8 grounds for your specific situation, the team at Hunters Tamworth is here to make this straightforward.
If you’re a portfolio landlord with properties across multiple villages – say, Kingsbury, Hurley, Austrey and Wigginton – having a single point of contact who understands the local market and the new legislation is genuinely valuable.
Ready to get compliant and stay protected?
The Renters’ Rights Act is now law. The penalties for non-compliance are real. But with the right steps in place, you can continue to let go with confidence.
Book a free landlord valuation with Hunters Tamworth today for an assessment of achievable rent in October’s market. For compliance questions, our team can discuss your obligations, review your paperwork and help you plan the next steps.
Get in touch with the Hunters Tamworth branch directly to speak with a local lettings expert. Let’s make sure your properties in Tamworth, Glascote, Wilnecote, Dordon, Polesworth and across North Warwickshire are fully protected – because here to get you there isn’t just a tagline. It’s what we do.
