The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is the most significant shake-up to the private rented sector in a generation. Whether you own a single buy-to-let in Shirley, a portfolio of properties across Hall Green and Acocks Green, or a number of managed homes in the B91 and B93 postcodes of Solihull, this legislation affects you directly — and the time to act is now.
At Martin & Co Solihull, we have been helping landlords navigate lettings legislation for over 30 years. This guide breaks down exactly what has changed, what you are now legally required to do, and how our local team can make compliance straightforward and stress-free.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act 2025?
The Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent in 2025, with its core tenancy reforms taking effect from 1 May 2026 and further measures being introduced in later phases. It replaces key provisions of the Housing Act 1988 and introduces a raft of new obligations for landlords in the private rented sector.
For landlords across Solihull (B90, B91, B92, B93) and south Birmingham (B14, B26, B27, B28), understanding and implementing these changes is not optional — it is a legal requirement.
The end of fixed-term tenancies
One of the most significant changes under the Act is the abolition of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies. The vast majority of assured tenancies are now periodic from the outset, meaning they roll on a month-by-month basis with no fixed end date.
From 1 May 2026, the new assured periodic tenancy regime applies to the vast majority of both new and existing private rented tenancies, subject to the Act’s transitional provisions.
What this means for landlords in practice
If you let a property in Solihull town centre, Knowle, Dorridge, or in south Birmingham suburbs such as Yardley or Sparkhill, you can no longer rely on the expiry of a fixed term to regain possession. You must now use the formal possession process under the updated Section 8 grounds.
This is a fundamental operational shift, and landlords who have historically relied on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions should note that Section 21 has been abolished entirely under the new legislation.
New Section 8 possession grounds and extended notice periods
With Section 21 gone, Section 8 becomes the sole route to regaining possession of your property. The Act has strengthened and expanded the Section 8 grounds, but has also extended the notice periods landlords must give.
Key changes include:
A new mandatory ground allowing landlords to recover possession if they wish to sell the property or move in a close family member, but with a minimum four-month notice period now required.
The notice period for rent arrears has also been extended. Landlords must now serve at least four weeks’ notice in most arrears-related cases before proceeding to court.
Why accurate record-keeping matters more than ever
Successful Section 8 claims depend heavily on documented evidence — rent payment histories, inspection records, written communications, and tenancy agreements. Landlords managing properties across multiple postcodes in Solihull and south Birmingham need robust systems in place.
At Martin & Co Solihull, our managed service clients benefit from meticulous record-keeping, digital documentation, and expert guidance at every stage of the possession process should it ever become necessary.
The Decent Homes Standard comes to the private rented sector
For the first time, the Decent Homes Standard — previously applicable only to social housing — now applies to privately rented properties. This means your rental property must meet a defined standard of condition, including:
Freedom from serious hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). A reasonably modern and functional kitchen and bathroom. Effective insulation and heating. A structurally sound and weatherproof building fabric.
What Solihull and south Birmingham landlords need to check
Properties in older housing stock — common in areas such as Olton, Yardley Wood, and Billesley — may require attention to meet the new standard. Landlords with larger portfolios should consider commissioning a property condition review across their holdings.
Local councils in both Solihull and Birmingham have powers to inspect and enforce compliance, and failure to meet the Decent Homes Standard can result in significant financial penalties.
Joining the new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman scheme
The Act introduces a mandatory requirement for all private landlords in England to register with the new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman. This applies regardless of whether you use a letting agent or self-manage your properties.
The Ombudsman scheme provides tenants with a formal route to raise complaints, and landlords who fail to register face civil penalties. Registration is not a one-off task — landlords must maintain their membership and comply with any decisions made by the Ombudsman.
How Martin & Co Solihull supports landlord registration
Our team is already fully briefed on the Ombudsman registration process and can guide landlords through their obligations. For clients using our fully managed service, we handle compliance monitoring on your behalf, ensuring you remain on the right side of the law without the administrative burden.
Martin & Co’s compliance credentials — why they matter now more than ever
The Renters’ Rights Act raises the compliance bar significantly. Landlords across Solihull, Shirley, Dickens Heath, and south Birmingham postcodes need a letting agent they can genuinely trust.
Martin & Co Solihull offers:
Government-approved tenancy deposit protection, ensuring your deposit handling is fully compliant. Client Money Protection insurance, giving both landlords and tenants financial security. State-of-the-art tenant referencing and background checks to minimise risk from the outset. A dedicated local team who are your sole point of contact — people who know the Solihull and south Birmingham rental market inside out.
Across our national network, we manage more than 41,000 properties and let 370 new properties every week. That scale of experience means our compliance processes are robust, tested, and continually updated as legislation evolves.
Flexible lettings services to suit every landlord
Whether you are a first-time landlord with a single property in Olton or an experienced investor managing a portfolio across Acocks Green, Sheldon, and Knowle, Martin & Co Solihull has a service level to match your needs.
Our Premium Managed service provides full management with rent and legal protection — particularly valuable given the new possession landscape. Our Managed service delivers 24/7 peace of mind, compliance oversight, maintenance coordination, and regular inspections. Rent Collection and Tenant Find options are also available for landlords who prefer a more hands-on approach but still want professional support where it counts.
Act now — compliance deadlines will not wait
The Renters’ Rights Act is already in force. Landlords who have not yet reviewed their tenancy agreements, possession procedures, property condition, and Ombudsman registration obligations are at risk of non-compliance.
The good news is that you do not have to navigate this alone. Martin & Co Solihull is here to simplify your compliance journey, with clear, honest guidance and no unnecessary fuss.
Book a free lettings review with our Solihull team today. We will assess your current portfolio, identify any compliance gaps, and set out a clear action plan — at no cost and with no obligation.
Get in touch with Martin & Co Solihull to arrange your free lettings review, or contact your local branch directly to speak with one of our dedicated lettings experts. We are ready to help you stay compliant, protect your investment, and let with confidence in 2026 and beyond.
