Renting in Bournemouth – What the Renters’ Rights Act Means for Tenants and Landlords

Renting in Bournemouth is changing, and the Renters’ Rights Act marks one of the biggest shifts in the private rented sector for many years. Whether you are a tenant looking for a secure home or a landlord managing rental property in Bournemouth, understanding the new rules is essential. The Act aims to create a fairer, safer, and more transparent rental environment by strengthening tenant protections and setting clearer expectations for landlords and letting agents.

Below, we break down the key changes, what they mean for you, and how to prepare for the months ahead.

What Is the Renters’ Rights Act?

The Renters’ Rights Act is a wide-reaching reform designed to modernise renting across England. Its purpose is simple: to give tenants greater security while ensuring landlords operate responsibly and consistently.

Key changes in the Act include:

• The end of Section 21 no-fault evictions

• Nearly all tenancies converting to rolling, periodic agreements

• Rent increases limited to once per year

• Stronger housing standards, including stricter rules around damp, mould, and hazards under Awaab’s Law

• The introduction of the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman

• A new compulsory Private Rented Sector Database that all landlords must register with

For tenants and landlords in Bournemouth, these changes affect everything from tenancy lengths to rent reviews and compliance obligations.

Key Changes for Tenants Renting in Bournemouth

If you are renting in Bournemouth, the Act provides more stability and clearer rights.

Rolling Tenancies Replace Fixed Terms

The Act replaces most fixed-term contracts with rolling periodic tenancies. This means tenants can stay in their home long-term unless they choose to give notice, or unless the landlord has a legally justified reason for ending the tenancy.

Stronger Eviction Protections

Section 21 no-fault evictions are removed. Landlords can no longer ask tenants to leave without a valid reason. However, landlords still have effective options for eviction under Section 8 for issues such as non-payment of rent, antisocial behaviour, or damage to the property. This ensures that tenants who fail to meet their obligations can still be lawfully evicted.

Fairer Rent Increases

Landlords may increase rent only once per year. If a tenant believes an increase is unfair, they have the right to challenge it through a tribunal.

Lower Upfront Costs

Landlords can now request a maximum of one month’s rent in advance, helping reduce the financial pressure of moving.

Higher Housing Standards

New rules tackle hazards more strictly. Issues like mould, damp, leaks, or structural faults must be addressed quickly and properly.

Reduced Discrimination

It becomes illegal to refuse tenants based on children, pets, or benefits. This makes renting in Bournemouth more accessible to a wider range of households.

What It Means for Landlords and Letting Agents in Bournemouth

For landlords, the Renters’ Rights Act introduces several important responsibilities that affect how properties are managed and advertised.

Periodic Tenancies Become the Standard

Existing short fixed-term tenancies will convert to periodic agreements. This offers flexibility but requires landlords to understand and comply with the new rules around notice periods and tenancy management.

Evictions Must Have Legal Grounds

With Section 21 removed, landlords must follow defined legal reasons for ending a tenancy, such as selling the property or requiring it for personal use. Evictions for tenant misconduct, non-payment of rent, or property damage remain possible under Section 8, giving landlords lawful ways to manage problematic tenants.

New Registration Requirements

All landlords must enrol on the Private Rented Sector Database. This adds a level of accountability and helps tenants verify that a landlord is compliant.

Higher Property Standards

Homes must meet the Decent Homes Standard, and hazards such as mould must be addressed promptly under Awaab’s Law.

Rent Increase Rules

Any rent increase must follow the legal process. Letting agents will need to update documentation, communications, and timelines accordingly.

Ombudsman Scheme

All landlords must be part of the new Ombudsman service, giving tenants a clear route for resolving disputes.

For letting agents in Bournemouth, this means updating paperwork, advertising standards, complaint handling, and tenancy procedures.

The Impact on Bournemouth’s Rental Market

The Renters’ Rights Act will influence renting in Bournemouth in several ways.

For Tenants

The changes are expected to improve stability and fairness. Bournemouth’s high demand for rental properties means tenants will benefit from clearer rights and stronger protections.

For Landlords

Landlords may see administrative workloads increase, particularly around registration, compliance, and rent processes. Some smaller landlords may decide to exit the market, which could affect supply levels.

For the Wider Market

Over time, the reforms may create a more predictable, transparent, and efficient rental environment in Bournemouth.

Preparing for the Changes

Although the Renters’ Rights Act has been passed, the Government has indicated that it will be implemented from 1 May 2026. Letting agents, landlords, and tenants are awaiting further guidance on procedures and implementation deadlines. Staying informed and monitoring official updates will be key to ensuring compliance and understanding your rights and responsibilities.

How Roberts Can Help

At Roberts, we support landlords across Bournemouth as they navigate the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act. Our team provides clear compliance guidance, helps with registration on the Private Rented Sector Database, and ensures tenancy agreements are updated in line with the new legislation. We also assist with tenant communication and carry out property inspections to make sure homes meet the required housing and safety standards.

As the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect, understanding these changes will help anyone renting in Bournemouth make informed decisions and stay protected.

If any issues arise, we can support landlords through the Ombudsman process and offer ongoing advice to keep you informed and fully compliant. With Roberts managing the process, you can feel confident that your rental property is well maintained, protected, and aligned with the latest rules.