What every BH23 landlord needs to know right now
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now firmly in force, and for landlords across Christchurch — from the riverside properties near the Quay to the sought-after coastal homes in Highcliffe and Mudeford — the compliance landscape has changed significantly.
If you own rental property in the BH23 postcode, autumn 2026 is a critical moment to pause and review your obligations. Enforcement is tightening, tenant awareness is rising, and Christchurch Borough Council is actively monitoring landlord compliance across the district.
This checklist from Belvoir Christchurch is designed to give you a clear, practical overview of what the Act requires — and what you need to do to stay on the right side of the law.
The end of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies
One of the most significant changes under the Renters’ Rights Act is the abolition of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs). All tenancies are now periodic from the outset, meaning they roll on a month-by-month basis with no fixed end date.
For Christchurch landlords, this has real implications. Properties in high-turnover areas such as the town centre and near Bournemouth Airport’s commuter corridor have historically relied on fixed terms to manage occupancy. That flexibility no longer exists in the same form.
What this means in practice
You can no longer rely on a fixed-term end date to regain possession. Instead, you must use the prescribed grounds under the reformed Section 8 process. This makes having watertight tenancy agreements and accurate record-keeping more important than ever.
Belvoir Christchurch recommends a full review of all existing tenancy agreements to ensure they reflect the new periodic framework and comply with current legislation.
Understanding the new section 8 grounds for possession
The reformed Section 8 process now provides landlords with a broader but more structured set of grounds for possession. These include grounds for landlord redevelopment, selling the property, and moving in a close family member — but each comes with strict notice periods and evidential requirements.
For landlords managing multiple properties across Highcliffe, Mudeford, or Burton — whether that’s a portfolio of terraced homes or a mix of flats and houses — understanding which ground applies to each situation is essential.
Key grounds to be aware of
Ground 1A (sale of property) and Ground 1B (landlord or family member moving in) now require four months’ notice and cannot be used within the first 12 months of a tenancy. Mandatory grounds for serious rent arrears remain, but the threshold and process have been tightened.
Landlords should not attempt to serve Section 8 notices without professional guidance. An incorrectly served notice can result in significant delays and potential legal costs.
Pet requests: your new obligations
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants now have a statutory right to request a pet. As a landlord, you cannot unreasonably refuse such a request, and you must respond within 28 days.
This is particularly relevant in Christchurch, where many properties near the River Stour, Stanpit Marsh, and the coastal paths of Mudeford attract tenants with dogs and other pets. The lifestyle appeal of the area means pet ownership among renters is notably common.
How to handle pet requests compliantly
You are permitted to require tenants to obtain pet damage insurance as a condition of approval. Refusals must be based on reasonable, documented grounds — for example, a lease restriction in a leasehold flat or a demonstrable risk of damage to a listed building.
Belvoir Christchurch can help you draft a clear pet request policy that protects your property while meeting your legal obligations.
The Decent Homes Standard: is your property compliant?
The government plans to extend the Decent Homes Standard — currently applicable to social housing — to the private rented sector, but the implementation timetable has not yet been confirmed. This means your rental property in Christchurch must meet minimum standards across four key criteria: structural stability, freedom from serious hazards, a reasonable state of repair, and modern facilities.
According to the English Housing Survey 2025–26, approximately 12% of private rented homes still fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard nationally. With Christchurch Borough Council increasing its focus on housing enforcement, BH23 landlords with older stock — particularly Victorian and Edwardian properties common in the town centre and along Bargates — should carry out a proactive property audit.
Common issues flagged in Christchurch properties
Older properties near the High Street and Wick Lane area are frequently cited for damp and ventilation issues. Coastal properties in Highcliffe and Friars Cliff may face challenges around window condition and insulation. Addressing these proactively avoids enforcement notices and potential civil penalties.
Christchurch borough council’s enforcement approach
Christchurch Borough Council, operating within the BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) unitary authority, has signalled a more active enforcement posture in 2026. Landlords found in breach of the Renters’ Rights Act face civil penalties of up to £40,000 for serious or repeat violations.
The local authority also maintains a database of non-compliant landlords, and a finding of poor practice can affect your ability to operate legally in the future. Whether you manage one property in Mudeford or a larger portfolio across BH23, the reputational and financial risks of non-compliance are significant.
Your autumn 2026 compliance checklist
Use this checklist as a starting point to assess your current position:
Review all tenancy agreements to confirm they reflect the new periodic structure.
Familiarise yourself with the updated Section 8 grounds and notice requirements.
Establish a clear, documented process for handling pet requests within the 28-day window.
Carry out a Decent Homes Standard audit across all properties.
Ensure all required safety certificates — gas, electrical, EPC — are current and accessible.
Check that deposit protection is in place and that prescribed information has been served correctly.
Review your rent review process to ensure compliance with the new rules on rent increases.
Why working with a local letting agent matters more than ever
The volume and complexity of legislative change since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force means that self-managing landlords — regardless of portfolio size — are carrying significantly more risk than before.
Belvoir Christchurch has been supporting BH23 landlords through every stage of this transition. Our team understands the local market dynamics in Highcliffe, Mudeford, Burton, and the town centre, and we are fully up to date with the compliance requirements now in force.
Whether you manage a single buy-to-let flat near Christchurch Priory or a portfolio of family homes across the BH23 postcode, having a knowledgeable local agent in your corner is one of the most effective ways to reduce compliance risk.
Take action before the pressure builds
Autumn 2026 is the right time to get ahead of enforcement, not react to it. The Renters’ Rights Act has fundamentally changed the relationship between landlords and tenants in England, and Christchurch is no exception.
Belvoir Christchurch is offering a free landlord compliance review for BH23 landlords. In this review, we will assess your current tenancy agreements, property condition, and compliance processes against the latest requirements — and give you a clear action plan.
Book your free landlord compliance review today by contacting Belvoir Christchurch directly. Our team is ready to help you protect your investment, stay compliant, and continue letting with confidence in one of Dorset’s most desirable rental markets.
To speak with a member of our lettings team or to find out what your Christchurch property is worth in today’s market, get in touch with Belvoir Christchurch — or book a valuation online to receive a no-obligation assessment of your rental property’s current value.