Renters’ Rights Act: What It Really Means for North Devon Landlords (and Why There’s No Need to Panic)

Change is here – again.

The long-discussed Renters’ Rights Bill has officially received Royal Assent, becoming law and marking the biggest shake-up to the rental sector in decades.

But before you start imagining clipboard-wielding council inspectors marching up the drive, let’s take a breath. For landlords across North Devon, from Barnstaple to Bideford, Woolacombe to Westward Ho!, this isn’t the end of the world — it’s simply the next evolution of property letting. And if you’re proactive (and ideally have an agent who knows their stuff), you’ll be absolutely fine.

🔍 So what exactly has happened?

The Renters’ Rights Act (as it’s now called) has passed into law in England and Wales. That means its core principles are now set in stone — though the actual rules won’t bite straight away.

The Government is now expected to announce implementation dates in stages over the coming months, giving landlords time to prepare.

For now, it’s still business as usual. But the changes coming down the line will reshape how tenancies work, how evictions are handled, and how standards are enforced — so a little planning now will pay off later.

🏡 The key changes North Devon landlords need to know

Here’s the short version (and yes, it’s a lot — but we’ll keep it simple):

Goodbye Section 21: “No fault” evictions are being abolished. Landlords will instead rely on updated Section 8 possession grounds, meaning you’ll still be able to regain possession — just under new, clearer rules.

All tenancies go periodic: The old fixed-term tenancy will disappear. Most agreements will roll on month-by-month (or periodic) by default.

Rent reviews tighten up: Rent increases can only happen once per year, and only via the official process — no more rent bidding wars or massive upfront rent demands.

Written tenancy agreements become mandatory: Every tenancy will need to be in writing. If you’ve been letting on a handshake (we all know a few!), that’s over.

New property standards: The Decent Homes Standard will apply to the private rented sector, meaning damp, mould and other hazards will face closer scrutiny.

The landlord database and Ombudsman: All landlords will eventually need to register and sign up to a redress scheme, ensuring every tenant has somewhere to go if problems arise.

Enforcement powers expand: Local councils will get tougher penalties and greater rights of access. Fines could reach up to £40,000 for serious breaches.

🗓 When is all this happening?

Not immediately — thank goodness.

The Government has promised landlords “sufficient notice” before anything comes into force. Realistically, the first wave of changes (like tenancy reforms) won’t happen until mid-to-late 2026, with further standards like the Decent Homes requirement likely to phase in over several years.

So there’s time. And if you prepare properly, there’s no reason to fear these changes at all.

💡 What should North Devon landlords do now?

Think of this as a spring-clean for your property portfolio:

✅ Review your paperwork. Check every tenancy agreement, EPC, safety certificate and inventory. If something’s missing or outdated, fix it now.

✅ Inspect your properties. Deal with any lingering issues — especially damp or mould — before the Decent Homes rules tighten.

✅ Plan for flexibility. With tenancies becoming periodic, you’ll need to think more strategically about rent reviews, possession grounds and longer-term income stability.

✅ Stay informed. The rules will come in stages, so sign up to our email updates below and we’ll keep you updated on each milestone as it happens.

✅ Talk to your agent. Make sure their letting and management processes are ready to align with the new rules.

✅ Don’t have an agent? – Gulp! You now need to have one unless you are confident of staying compliant on all of this on your own – so give us a call asap.

🏖 What about short-term and winter lets?

Good question — especially for North Devon landlords who switch from long-term lets to winter short-lets when the tourists leave.

The new legislation creates potential grey areas between “residential” and “short-term” occupancy and misclassifying a tenancy could cause serious headaches later.

We’re preparing specific short-let guidance for local landlords who operate seasonal lets so you can keep your flexibility without falling foul of the new law.

😌 Why this isn’t all bad news

Let’s be honest: professional landlords — the kind who maintain their homes properly, communicate with tenants and work with a reputable agent — will come out on top.

The Act aims to level the playing field by rooting out rogue operators and raising standards across the board. That means fewer bad landlords tarnishing the market, better tenants, and more stable, long-term income for those who run their portfolios well.

In short: this is evolution, not extinction.

📋 Want to make sure you’re ready?

We’re currently offering a free Landlord Compliance Review and downloadable North Devon Landlord Checklist to help you get ahead of the changes — step-by-step, property-by-property.

👉 Contact us to request your compliance review on 01271 410108 or email us on lettings@matchproperty.co.uk

👉 Click here to sign up to our email Update Service and receive a copy of the ‘Landlord Compliance Starter Checklist’.

Whether you own one buy-to-let in Barnstaple or a portfolio across the coast, we’ll make sure you’re ready, protected, and future-proof.

Because while the laws may change, one thing doesn’t — good landlords will always be in demand.

Want to talk about this, just get in touch, we are always happy to help!

Call us on 01271 410108 or email us on lettings@matchproperty.co.uk