The clock is ticking for landlords in Worksop. With the Renters’ Rights Act due to take full effect on 1 May 2026, the way you review and set rent is about to change for good. If your rental property is currently underpriced, you may only have a short window left to correct it.
At Martin & Co Worksop, we’re helping landlords prepare with a data-led Rent Review Pack – built to ensure your properties remain profitable and fully compliant under the new legal framework.
Let’s break down what’s changing, what it means for your income, and why acting now could protect your rental yield for the year ahead.
What’s changing in May: no more bidding wars, one rent review per year
From 1 May, all landlords in England will need to follow new national guidelines under the Renters’ Rights Act. These changes include:
- A ban on rental bidding wars – you must let the property at the advertised price, not above it
- Only one rent review allowed per year, via a formal Section 13 notice
- A requirement for rent increases to be reasonable and based on market evidence
- Mandatory use of specific legal formats and notice periods
In short, the new legislation aims to create more transparency and fairness in rent setting – but it also places new responsibilities on landlords.
If you’re used to adjusting rent through informal chats or rolling clauses in your tenancy agreements, these methods will no longer be legally valid.
That’s why landlord compliance in Worksop for 2026 starts with a clear, proactive rent review strategy – and the time to act is now.
What is a Section 13 rent review?
A Section 13 notice is a legal document used by landlords in England and Wales to propose a rent increase during a periodic tenancy. After May 2026, this will become the only lawful method to raise rent on most existing tenancies.
To issue a valid Section 13 notice, you must:
- Serve it using the prescribed format
- Give your tenant at least one month’s notice
- Propose a rent that reflects the local market value
- Not have increased the rent in the last 12 months
If your tenant believes the proposed rent is unfair, they can refer it to a tribunal – but tribunals typically accept increases when backed by good data.
This is where a data-led approach, using Rightmove and Zoopla evidence, becomes vital.
Why Worksop landlords must act before May 2026
Many landlords across Bassetlaw have not reviewed their rent in over a year. With local values rising, you could be significantly below market rate.
Let’s look at the numbers:
- Average rent for a 2-bed flat in Worksop (Q1 2026): £695pcm (Zoopla)
- Average rent increase over past 12 months: 4.2%
- Typical rent uplift seen in Martin & Co Rent Review Packs: £50–£75pcm
That difference adds up fast. Over 12 months, even a £60 increase could mean £720 more income per property. Multiply that across a portfolio and the loss from underpricing becomes clear.
From May, if you’ve missed the opportunity to adjust rents early, you may be locked into an old rate for another 12 months. In a rising market, that puts you behind.
Our Rent Review Pack: the smart, compliant way to review rent
To make the transition easier, Martin & Co Worksop is offering landlords a Rent Review Pack – designed to help you:
- Set your rent fairly and competitively
- Comply with new Section 13 requirements
- Maximise income without breaching tenant rights
What’s included:
- A bespoke local market rent analysis, using Rightmove and Zoopla price comparisons
- A properly formatted Section 13 notice ready to serve
- Rent band recommendation (minimum, optimal, and stretch value)
- Optional support in delivering the notice and responding to tenant questions
This service is available for both managed and non-managed landlords.
It’s ideal for:
- Self-managing landlords who haven’t reviewed rent in the past year
- Investors with properties near expiry or in periodic tenancy
- Landlords worried about the new rules and possible tenant disputes
Why self-managing landlords are switching to fully managed services in 2026
Rent setting is only one part of the wider compliance challenge ahead. With the Renters’ Rights Act also abolishing Section 21 no-fault evictions, landlords will face new rules on possession, safety, and documentation.
Many Worksop landlords are now choosing full property management to:
- Avoid legal disputes and penalties
- Keep documentation up to date
- Ensure all rent reviews are timed, served and formatted correctly
- Save time on tenant communication and compliance
Martin & Co’s Fully Managed service includes:
- Annual rent reviews using our Rent Review Pack
- Legal notices served correctly and on time
- Tenant referencing and communication handled for you
- 24/7 maintenance reporting
- Regular property inspections and safety checks
It’s a smart investment if you value your time, peace of mind, and long-term income.
What could go wrong if you delay?
Landlords who don’t act before May risk:
- Losing the chance to adjust rent until mid-2027
- Facing tenant disputes over informal or poorly drafted notices
- Being challenged at tribunal for lack of evidence
- Damaging tenant relationships through sudden, unsupported increases
By contrast, landlords who act now can:
- Secure higher income immediately
- Stay compliant as the law changes
- Build trust through transparent, professional processes
Five steps to protect your rental income before May 2026
If you own rental property in Worksop, we recommend taking these actions now:
- Review your current tenancy agreements
Check if the rent has been static for over a year. Look for clauses that may no longer be valid from May. - Compare your rent to market rates
Use Rightmove or Zoopla to see what similar homes in your postcode are letting for. If your rate is below average, act quickly. - Understand your review rights
If your tenancy is periodic or about to roll over, you likely qualify to use a Section 13 review now. - Request a Rent Review Pack from Martin & Co
Our team will prepare the research, notice and timing advice you need to act correctly and confidently. - Consider switching to a managed service
As the law evolves, having an experienced agent handle rent reviews, possession notices and tenant queries ensures you stay protected.
Landlord compliance in Worksop for 2026 and beyond
With the Renters’ Rights Act creating a new legal standard across England, Worksop landlords must rethink how they operate. Informal rent increases, handwritten letters and verbal agreements will no longer offer protection – or pass legal scrutiny.
Instead, compliance, transparency and documentation are now essential parts of being a successful landlord. And those who prepare early will avoid conflict, boost yield and maintain long-term tenant relationships.
At Martin & Co Worksop, we’re here to help landlords stay one step ahead. Our Rent Review Pack is already supporting dozens of clients ahead of the May changes – and our fully managed service offers complete peace of mind for those who want long-term income without the admin.
Ready to protect your rental income?
We’re offering a free rent review consultation to landlords in Worksop and the surrounding areas this month. If you haven’t reviewed your rent since 2025 – or if you’re unsure how the new Section 13 process works – we’re here to help.
Book your Rent Review Pack or property valuation today.
Martin & Co Worksop – Supporting landlords to stay compliant and profitable in 2026.
