North Devon tenants and landlords urged to prepare for 'major' rental reforms

Sweeping changes to the private rented sector are set to take effect from May, prompting North Devon Council to warn local residents and property owners to prepare now.

The government’s Renters’ Rights Act, which officially rolls out on 1 May 2026, aims to make the rental market “fairer and safer” by abolishing “no-fault” evictions and introducing a national database for landlords.

Council officials say the reforms represent a significant shift in how the sector operates, with further phases including a new Ombudsman service and strict safety standards for damp and mould.

End of 'no-fault' evictions

Under the new legislation, Section 21 evictions, which currently allow landlords to end tenancies without providing a reason, will be abolished. Landlords will only be able to end a tenancy using “specific defined grounds.”

Other key changes include:

• The end of fixed-term tenancies: All agreements will become periodic to provide “greater security and flexibility.”
• Rent controls: Bidding wars will be banned, and rent increases will be limited to once per year.
• Rights for families and pet owners: Landlords will be prohibited from discriminating against those with children or on benefits, and must “fairly” consider requests for pets.

While the rules provide stronger protections for tenants, the council noted that landlords will still be able to recover properties for “clear reasons,” such as selling the home, moving in themselves, or addressing anti-social behaviour.

'Security and dignity'

Councillor Graham Bell, Lead Member for Housing at North Devon Council, described the reforms as “one of the most significant changes to renting in a generation.”

“They are designed to give tenants the security and dignity they deserve, while ensuring landlords have clear, fair rules to follow,” said Cllr Bell.

“For too long, many renters have lived with uncertainty and poor conditions. In addition, these changes level the playing field for the vast number of fair, compassionate landlords. Protecting the reputation of their industry sector from the tarnish created by a few rogue landlords.”

Future phases

Later in 2026, a second phase will introduce a Private Landlord Ombudsman to resolve disputes without court action, alongside a mandatory Private Rented Sector Database.

A final phase, which currently has no confirmed timescale, intends to extend “Awaab’s Law” to the private sector. This will force landlords to adhere to strict timeframes when addressing hazards like damp and mould.

North Devon Council confirmed it will be launching an engagement plan in the coming weeks to provide guidance and support for those affected by the transition.