The Renters’ Rights Act is on the horizon and for landlords in Dickens Heath, the changes it brings will be anything but small.
From May 2026, Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions will be scrapped, and all new tenancies will move to a single open-ended agreement. That’s a seismic shift, especially for landlords managing professional lets in high-demand spots like Dickens Heath.
With a healthy buy-to-let (BTL) presence in the village and a strong portfolio of apartments catering to commuters and young professionals, Dickens Heath landlords are uniquely exposed. If your paperwork, processes or possession plans are even slightly out of step, you could find yourself unable to gain possession when you need it most.
Here’s what you need to know and why our 100% Compliance Guarantee is already proving essential.
What’s changing with possession rules in May 2026?
In short: fixed-term tenancies are going. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, all Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will convert into a single open-ended tenancy type. That means:
- Landlords will no longer be able to issue Section 21 notices
- Tenants can end the tenancy with two months’ notice, at any time
- Landlords can only end tenancies using specific grounds under Section 8
While the government has promised to strengthen these Section 8 grounds (such as moving back into the property, repeated rent arrears, or selling), this still places the burden of proof and process squarely on landlords.
Why Dickens Heath landlords are at higher risk
Dickens Heath has been a BTL hotspot for years, attracting landlords with its modern flats, village-style community and fast rail links to Birmingham. That success now brings risk.
- Many tenancies are fixed-term ASTs with renewal cycles
- Properties are often let to young professionals on rolling contracts
- Paperwork, compliance and communication are often managed at scale
If you’re juggling multiple properties or relying on outdated processes, you’re more likely to fall foul of the new rules.
One incorrect notice, or even a missed gas certificate, could result in months of delays regaining possession or worse, a failed court case.
Our 100% Compliance Guarantee: What it means for you
At Martin & Co Solihull, we’re already ahead of the curve.
We’re offering a free 2026 Compliance Audit for landlords with property in Dickens Heath. This includes:
- A full check of your tenancy agreements, deposit protection, and safety certificates
- A readiness review for Section 8 grounds including evidencing arrears or preparing for sale
- Advice on how to future-proof your portfolio under the new open-ended tenancy system
And if you let your property with us on full management, we guarantee 100% legal compliance or we put it right at our cost.
That means no guesswork, no sleepless nights, and no last-minute panics when the reforms come into force.
What you can do now to get ready
It’s not too early to start preparing. In fact, waiting could cost you.
Here’s what we recommend for Dickens Heath landlords in the run-up to May 2026:
Review all fixed-term tenancies
Ensure your tenancy agreements are up to date and ready to transition to the new open-ended model.
Audit your compliance
From EICRs to deposit schemes, one missing document could render a possession notice invalid.
Check your grounds
If you plan to sell or move back into the property within the next two years, get clear on the evidence required to support your case under Section 8.
Book your free audit
Let us take care of the legal legwork so you can focus on managing your investments.
Stay in control, before you lose it
Dickens Heath has always attracted smart investors. But from 2026, the smartest landlords will be the ones who plan ahead, not the ones trying to fix problems once they hit.
Don’t risk your income, your time, or your legal standing.
Book a free 2026 compliance audit for your Dickens Heath portfolio today.
