⚠️ Important Notice: Section 21 is Abolished from 1 May 2026
As a result of the Renters' Rights Act, Section 21 "no-fault" evictions will be abolished from 1 May 2026. After this date, Section 21 will no longer be applicable and landlords will need to rely on Section 8 grounds for possession instead. We will be updating this page after 1 May 2026 to reflect the new legal position.
Managed Lettings — Legal & Practical Support
The Renters' Rights Act has fundamentally changed how residential property is let in England. For many landlords, the complexity and risk of non-compliance has increased significantly.
Alongside our legal services for landlords, we offer a fully managed lettings service for local landlords who want peace of mind, compliance and continuity — with housing solicitor support built in from day one.
Why Landlords Are Choosing Managed Lettings Post-May 2026
From 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act introduces major changes that increase the compliance burden on landlords. Managed lettings reduce risk by ensuring everything is handled correctly from the outset.
Section 21 Abolished
No-fault evictions are gone. Possession now requires valid legal grounds — making correct documentation critical from day one.
Periodic Tenancies Only
All tenancies become rolling. There are no fixed-term agreements to fall back on — compliance must be right throughout.
Rent Increase Controls
Can a landlord increase rent? Yes — but only once per year using a Section 13 rent increase notice. Informal increases are no longer effective.
Civil Penalties Up to £7,000
Compliance failures carry significant financial penalties. Local authority enforcement powers are increasing.
New Documentation Duties
Landlords must provide written information to tenants before signing from 1 May 2026. Existing tenants must receive an information sheet by 31 May 2026.
Discrimination Rules
Blanket bans on benefit recipients or families with children are unlawful. Applications must be assessed individually.
How Our Legal & Lettings Teams Work Together
For many landlords, the combination of professional lettings management and readily available housing solicitor support is far more cost-effective than dealing with problems reactively.
Solicitor-Led Legal Advice
When legal issues arise, you have immediate access to experienced landlord and tenant solicitors — not a referral to an unknown firm.
Day-to-Day Management
Maintenance, inspections, tenant liaison and rent collection handled professionally.
Early Warning System
We identify issues that could affect your possession rights before they become problems.
Joined-Up Approach
If disputes arise, our legal and lettings teams work together — no handoffs, no gaps.
FAQs
Common Questions About Managed Lettings
Can a landlord increase rent under the Renters' Rights Act?
Yes — but only once per year using the correct statutory process. From 1 May 2026, rent increases must be made using a Section 13 rent increase notice. Informal rent increases or contractual rent review clauses are no longer effective. We advise on the correct procedure.
What is a fair rent increase in the UK?
Under the Renters' Rights Act, rent increases must be to market rent only — landlords cannot increase rent above the market rate. Tenants can challenge increases they consider excessive at the First-tier Tribunal. We advise landlords on setting increases that are defensible.
How often can a landlord increase rent?
From 1 May 2026, landlords can only increase rent once per year. The correct process is to serve a Section 13 notice giving at least two months' notice. We ensure rent increases are served correctly and at the right time.
What does fully managed lettings include?
Our fully managed lettings service covers tenant find, referencing, tenancy agreement preparation, rent collection, maintenance coordination, inspections and compliance management — with housing solicitor support available when legal issues arise.
Our Team
Speak to a Member of Our Team
Jane Clutton
Director & Solicitor
Jane oversees the legal side of PDA Law's managed lettings service, bringing almost 30 years' experience in landlord and tenant law to bear on every property we manage. She ensures compliance is built in from the start — not bolted on when problems arise — and provides immediate legal support when issues do occur.
Speak to Us About Managed Lettings
Tell us about your property and we will explain how our managed lettings service works.
Prefer to call? 01244 757352