With major reforms set to reshape the rental sector, landlords across South Yorkshire need to be ready for the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Designed to improve tenant security and raise standards in the private rented sector, the Act is rolling out in stages and the timeline for implementation begins this winter.
This Renters’ Rights Act 2025 guide for landlords gives Doncaster property owners a clear breakdown of what’s changing, when to act, and how to stay compliant throughout 2026 and beyond.
Whether you manage one buy-to-let or a growing portfolio, understanding your new legal obligations is essential to avoid fines, void periods or unnecessary stress.
Key dates for Doncaster landlords: your 2026 compliance timeline
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is being introduced in phases to give landlords and letting agents time to adjust. Here’s what to expect:
December 2025 – local enforcement powers ramp up
From December, local councils including Doncaster Council will begin using new tools to identify and act on non-compliant landlords. This includes preparing for the national Property Portal (effectively a landlord register), which all landlords will be expected to join.
Expect stricter checks on:
- Gas and electrical safety
- Licensing (especially HMOs)
- Illegal eviction practices
- Repair delays and tenant complaints
Belvoir Doncaster strongly recommends that all landlords review their current tenancies and documentation before the end of the year.
May 1st, 2026 tenancy reform comes into force
From this date, all new assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in England will follow the updated rules in the Renters’ Rights Act.
Key changes include:
- Abolishing fixed-term tenancies – all new tenancies will become periodic
- Tenants can give two months’ notice to leave at any time
- Landlords must use updated Section 8 possession grounds
- Pets must be considered (landlords can only refuse with valid reasons)
- Ban on blanket ‘no DSS’ or ‘no children’ policies
- Changes to rent increase procedures and dispute resolution
August 1st, 2026 – all existing tenancies transition
Landlords with tenancies that began before May 1st will have until August to adjust. After this, all tenancies new or old must comply with the new framework.
This means updating tenancy agreements, understanding the new legal requirements, and ensuring all notices, deposit information and safety certificates are in order.
Section 8 changes: what landlords in Doncaster need to know
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, Section 21 (no-fault eviction) will be scrapped, making changes to Section 8 possession grounds even more important.
Landlords will still be able to regain possession, but only under clear, legally defined grounds such as:
- Landlord intends to sell the property
- Landlord or close family member intends to move in
- Persistent rent arrears (even after some payment is made)
- Anti-social behaviour by the tenant
- Breach of tenancy (such as damage or illegal subletting)
The grounds have been updated to offer more protection for both tenants and landlords. However, processes may take longer, so clear documentation and professional property management will become more important than ever.
Doncaster property compliance 2026: are you ready?
Doncaster has seen growing attention from investors in recent years, thanks to its affordability and commuter connections. But with greater opportunity comes tighter regulation.
Key areas to focus on:
- Licensing – Ensure all HMOs and selective licensing properties are correctly registered with Doncaster Council
- Deposit protection – Use a government-backed scheme and issue prescribed information
- Repairs and safety – Keep up with gas, electrical and fire safety checks
- Pet requests – Prepare a clear, legally defensible policy
- Evictions – Familiarise yourself with new Section 8 notice templates and procedures
At Belvoir Doncaster, we’re already helping local landlords prepare their portfolios for these changes. The sooner you start, the smoother your transition will be.
How Belvoir Doncaster supports landlords in 2026
With over 25 years in the lettings industry, we understand how complex legislation can become, especially when you’re trying to manage a property on your own.
Our team offers:
- Free compliance checks for local landlords
- Help navigating the Property Portal registration process
- Legal updates and documentation reviews
- Full property management with rent protection and legal support
- Trusted local contractors to handle repairs quickly and efficiently
We stay ahead of legislation, so you don’t have to.
Next steps: preparing for May and August 2026
If you’re currently letting in Doncaster, don’t wait until spring to act. Get ahead now by:
- Reviewing tenancy agreements and deposit compliance
- Booking an inspection to ensure your property meets safety standards
- Registering with a letting agent that understands the Renters’ Rights Act
- Discussing possession plans or future sales, if relevant
We’re already supporting Doncaster landlords with portfolio reviews, tenancy audits and upgrade planning.
Book your landlord compliance consultation with Belvoir Doncaster today.
