The Renters’ Rights Act Is Now Law. What Sussex Landlords Need to Do Before the End of 2026.

The Renters’ Rights Act came into effect on 1 May 2026, and it is the most significant change to the private rented sector in over thirty years. Section 21 “no-fault” evictions are gone. All assured shorthold tenancies have converted to periodic tenancies. Rent increases now follow a single statutory route. And the Decent Homes Standard, alongside Awaab’s Law, now applies to private rentals.

If you own a buy-to-let in Sussex, here is what matters most — without the jargon.

1. Section 21 is gone. Section 8 is now your only route.

To recover possession you must rely on a statutory ground. The grounds have been expanded — selling the property, moving family in, persistent rent arrears — but each requires evidence and, in most cases, a longer notice period. Build your paper trail from day one.

2. All tenancies are now periodic.

Fixed terms no longer exist for new tenancies. Tenants can leave with two months’ notice at any point. This changes the maths on void periods and re-letting, and it changes how you should think about tenant selection at the outset.

3. Rent increases follow one route only.

Once a year, by Section 13 notice, with the tenant entitled to challenge at the First-tier Tribunal. Informal “let’s add £50” conversations are no longer enforceable. Get the notice right, or the increase fails.

4. The Decent Homes Standard now applies to you.

Damp, mould, structural defects and disrepair must be remedied within statutory timescales. Awaab’s Law sets specific deadlines for hazards once reported. This is the area where we see the highest risk for landlords who self-manage and rely on slow trades.

5. EPC C by 1 October 2030.

The Warm Homes Plan, announced in January 2026, confirms that rental properties must reach EPC C by October 2030 or hold a valid exemption. For most Sussex stock — particularly the Victorian and Edwardian terraces that dominate Brighton, Hove, Worthing and Eastbourne — this means planning works now, not in 2029.

6. The PRS Database and Ombudsman.

Every landlord must register on the new PRS Database and join the Ombudsman scheme. Failure to do so prevents you from serving valid notices.

What we recommend doing this quarter

• Audit every tenancy file for gas, electrical, EPC and deposit compliance.
• Commission a fresh EPC if yours is more than five years old, with a retrofit assessment.
• Register on the PRS Database and join the Ombudsman.
• Review your tenant referencing — the cost of a poor tenant has risen sharply.
• If you manage the property yourself, consider whether that still makes sense.

We’re handling this work for our managed landlords as standard. If you’d like a no-obligation compliance review of your portfolio, we’re happy to carry one out.