Private renters, landlords and letting agents in South Devon are being urged to prepare for major legal changes coming into force this week, as the government introduces the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
Torbay Council says the reforms mark a significant shift in how the private rented sector operates, with new protections for tenants alongside clearer responsibilities for landlords.
Key changes from 1 May 2026
From Friday, 1 May, a number of headline reforms will come into effect across England.
One of the most notable is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions. Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a legally valid reason, a move designed to give renters greater security and confidence to challenge unfair practices.
Fixed-term assured tenancies will also be scrapped. Instead, tenancies will roll on indefinitely until ended by either party. Tenants will be able to leave at any time with two months’ notice, while landlords must rely on specific legal grounds to regain possession.
New tenants will also benefit from a 12-month protected period at the start of a tenancy, during which landlords cannot evict them in order to sell or move into the property.
Fairer renting rules
The new legislation introduces a range of measures aimed at improving fairness in the rental market.
Landlords will be banned from discriminating against tenants with children or those receiving benefits. Rental bidding wars will also be outlawed, with landlords prohibited from asking for or accepting offers above the advertised rent.
In addition, landlords will only be able to request a maximum of one month’s rent upfront, and rent increases will be limited to once per year.
Tenants will gain the right to request a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse, and will be able to challenge rent increases at a tribunal if they believe they exceed market rates.
Stronger enforcement powers
New investigatory powers for councils, introduced in December 2025, are already in place. These allow local authorities to inspect properties, request documentation and access third-party data to better enforce housing standards.
More changes to come
Further phases of the Renters’ Rights Act are expected later in 2026.
Plans include the creation of a compulsory public database of rental properties and the introduction of a private rented sector ombudsman to handle disputes.
A later stage will see consultation on applying a Decent Homes Standard to private rentals and extending Awaab’s Law to tackle dangerous living conditions.
Support for landlords and tenants
Torbay Council says it is working with organisations such as the National Residential Landlords Association and the South West Landlord Association to help landlords understand and prepare for the changes.
Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, described the reforms as “the biggest update to the private rented sector in the Bay in 40 years.”
She added that with around a quarter of households in Torbay privately renting, the changes will have a wide-reaching impact across the community.
What landlords need to do
From 1 May, landlords and letting agents must ensure tenants are provided with written information outlining the terms of their tenancy.
They are being advised to read the full government guidance and make any necessary adjustments to remain compliant.
Further information and updates are available via the council’s housing pages and dedicated landlord newsletter.
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