A new chapter for renters in Christchurch
Renting in Christchurch has always had its own distinct character. Whether you’re in a seafront flat near Mudeford Quay, a period terrace close to Christchurch Priory, or a modern home in Burton or Highcliffe, the local rental market is as varied as the town itself.
Now, with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 fully in force, the rules governing those tenancies have changed — significantly. For many tenants across the BH23 postcode area, this legislation brings long-awaited protections that reshape the balance between renter and landlord.
This guide from Belvoir Christchurch breaks down exactly what has changed, what it means for you as a tenant in this area, and how to make the most of your new rights.
The end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
Perhaps the most significant change brought in by the Renters’ Rights Act is the abolition of Section 21 notices — commonly known as ‘no-fault’ evictions. Previously, landlords could serve a Section 21 notice to end a tenancy without giving any reason, leaving tenants with as little as two months to find alternative accommodation.
That is no longer possible. As of 2026, landlords must now rely on specific, legally defined grounds under Section 8 to seek possession of a property.
For tenants in Christchurch, this is particularly meaningful. The rental market here is competitive, with demand consistently outpacing supply — especially for properties near the town centre, along Bargates, or within walking distance of the River Stour. The fear of a no-fault eviction had long been a source of anxiety for renters. That anxiety is now significantly reduced.
What this means in practice
If your landlord wants you to leave, they must now have a valid legal reason — such as significant rent arrears, breach of tenancy conditions, or a genuine intention to sell or move back into the property. They must also follow the correct legal process and provide appropriate notice.
If you receive a notice to quit that does not cite a valid ground, you have the right to challenge it. Belvoir Christchurch can point you in the direction of appropriate advice if you find yourself in this situation.
Periodic tenancies: More flexibility for renters
The Act also abolishes fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) for new and existing tenancies. All tenancies are now periodic by default — meaning they roll on a month-by-month basis with no fixed end date.
This gives tenants greater flexibility. You are no longer locked into a 12-month term if your circumstances change. You can normally end your tenancy by giving at least four weeks’ notice (or one rental period if longer), giving you greater flexibility if your circumstances change.
For renters in areas like Highcliffe and Burton — where many households include young families, retirees, and professionals who may need to relocate — this flexibility is genuinely valuable.
How this affects coastal and seasonal rentals in Mudeford
Mudeford Quay and the surrounding area have a unique rental profile, with a mix of permanent residents and properties that have historically attracted shorter-term lets. Under the new framework, all assured tenancies — including those that previously operated on fixed terms — fall under the periodic model.
If you rent in Mudeford or along the Stanpit area, your tenancy is now governed by these new rules regardless of what your original agreement said. It is worth reviewing your tenancy documentation and speaking to your letting agent to confirm your current status.
The Decent Homes Standard comes to private rentals
For the first time, the Decent Homes Standard — previously only applicable to social housing — is due to be extended to the private rented sector in a future implementation phase. This is a landmark shift for tenants across England, including those in Christchurch.
Under this standard, your rented home must meet a minimum level of condition. Specifically, it must:
Be free from serious hazards, as assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
Be in a reasonable state of repair
Have reasonably modern facilities and services
Provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort
What this means for older rental stock in Christchurch
Christchurch has a rich stock of older properties — Victorian and Edwardian terraces near the town centre, converted flats in and around the High Street, and older semi-detached homes throughout the BH23 postcode. While many of these properties are well maintained, some have historically presented challenges around insulation, heating systems, and damp.
The Decent Homes Standard will give tenants the legal standing, once implemented, to request that these issues are addressed. If your landlord fails to act, local authority enforcement powers have been strengthened under the Act to support you.
Rent increases: Your rights under the new rules
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a clearer, fairer process for rent increases. Landlords can now only increase rent once per year, and they must use the prescribed Section 13 notice procedure to do so.
Crucially, if you believe a proposed rent increase is above the market rate for your area, you have the right to challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal. The tribunal will assess whether the proposed rent is in line with comparable properties in the local area.
Rents in Christchurch: The local context
According to the latest available data for 2026, average rents across the BH23 postcode have continued to rise, reflecting broader South Coast trends driven by high demand and limited supply. Rightmove’s rental data indicates that average asking rents in the Christchurch area have increased notably over recent years, with one-bedroom flats and two-bedroom homes particularly affected.
The new tribunal route gives tenants a meaningful check on excessive increases. If your landlord proposes a rise that feels disproportionate relative to similar properties in Mudeford, Highcliffe, or Christchurch town centre, you now have a formal, accessible mechanism to contest it.
The new Ombudsman scheme: A resolution route for all tenants
All private landlords in England will be required to join a government-approved Ombudsman scheme. This applies whether your landlord uses a letting agent or manages the property directly.
The Ombudsman provides a free, independent route for resolving disputes without going to court. Issues such as deposit disputes, maintenance failures, or complaints about how your tenancy has been managed can be referred to the scheme.
For tenants in Christchurch renting through a reputable agency like Belvoir Christchurch, you already have access to established complaint procedures. But this new requirement ensures that all tenants — regardless of who manages their property — have a formal route to resolution.
A new property portal: Greater transparency for tenants
The Act also establishes a national property portal, which landlords will be required to register with once it is introduced. This creates a publicly accessible record of landlords and their properties, improving transparency across the market.
For tenants searching for rental homes in Christchurch, this portal will make it easier to verify that a landlord is compliant and registered before signing a tenancy agreement. It is an additional layer of protection that supports informed decision-making.
What Christchurch tenants should do now
If you are currently renting in Christchurch, Mudeford, Highcliffe, or Burton, here are the practical steps worth taking in light of these changes.
Review your tenancy agreement and understand which type of tenancy you hold. Your letting agent should be able to clarify your current position.
Check whether your property meets the Decent Homes Standard. If you have concerns about the condition of your home, document them and raise them formally with your landlord or agent.
Keep records of all rent increase notices. If you receive a Section 13 notice, check whether the proposed increase is in line with local market rents before deciding whether to accept or challenge it.
Know your eviction rights. If you receive any form of notice to leave, seek advice promptly. The removal of Section 21 means landlords must follow a specific legal process.
How Belvoir Christchurch supports local tenants
At Belvoir Christchurch, we believe that a well-informed tenant is a confident tenant. The Renters’ Rights Act represents a significant shift in how the private rental sector operates, and we are committed to helping tenants across the BH23 area understand what it means for them.
Whether you are currently renting through us, looking for a new home in Christchurch, or simply seeking guidance on your rights, our team is here to help. We manage a range of properties across Christchurch and the surrounding area — from town centre apartments to family homes in Highcliffe and Burton — and we take our responsibility to tenants seriously.
If you are looking for a rental property in the Christchurch area, browse our current lettings listings to find a home that suits your needs. Our team is ready to guide you through the process with clarity and care.
To speak with a member of our lettings team about your rights as a tenant, or to enquire about available properties, contact Belvoir Christchurch today. We are here to make renting in this area as straightforward and secure as possible.
And if you own a property in Christchurch and would like to understand how the Renters’ Rights Act affects you as a landlord, book a free valuation with Belvoir Christchurch — we will walk you through the implications and help you stay fully compliant in 2026 and beyond.