A warning to rural property landlords

North West farmers and rural property owners are being warned not to ignore the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into effect on 1 May 2026. The Act relates to the tenancy and occupation of residential property and will introduce significant changes for landlords.

Cheshire-based Oakwood Property Services, a leading rural tenancy adviser, is concerned that many landlords are still unaware of the new legislation. The Act represents the biggest change in tenancy law since 1989, when Assured Shorthold Tenancies were first introduced.

Rural lettings are often more informal than those in towns, sometimes being less commercial in nature and connected with local employment. However, this does not exempt landlords from complying with the new legislation.

Many existing landlord obligations are well known, such as the requirement for annual gas safety checks and periodic electrical inspections. However, there is also a growing amount of associated paperwork that must be provided to tenants, and this list is expanding further under the new rules.

Crucially, a new notice must be given to tenants before the end of May. Failure to comply with these requirements could leave landlords liable to significant fines, starting from £7,000.

Many landlords are also unaware that these legislative changes are already impacting the rental market. A number of landlords are exiting the sector, leading to a reduction in available rental properties and continued upward pressure on rents. This may present an opportunity for landlords to review rental levels, with increased income helping to offset higher compliance and management costs.

Oakwood’s Associate Surveyor, Lydia Sirovica, said:
“The changes are alarming for many landowners but can be managed with good systems in place. This is a major shift, with fixed term tenancies coming to an end and tenants able to vacate at any time by giving two months’ notice. Landlords can still seek possession in certain circumstances, but only if they have complied fully with all legislation.”

There is also separate legislation relating to housing occupied by farmworkers, which landlords should be aware of.

Oakwood Property Services is offering a fixed-fee residential tenancy review to help landlords ensure they are compliant and understand what action needs to be taken.

Contact Oakwood on 0161 941 4228 or visit https://www.oakwoodpropertyservices.co.uk/