Landlords in Guildford should be aware of important changes ahead in private renting law. The government has published a guide to the Renters’ Rights Act which states that it will abolish Section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions in England. That means the familiar ability for a landlord to simply give two months’ notice (after the initial fixed term) without providing a reason will cease once the reforms take effect.
While the changes may seem daunting, they can also be viewed as an opportunity for better, more stable tenancies and for landlords to review how they protect their investment. Below we explain the key points, what the local impact in Guildford might be, and how Belvoir Guildford can help landlords adapt — especially by moving from let‐only to full management.
What exactly is changing?
Abolishing Section 21
Previously, a landlord could serve a Section 21 notice on an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) to regain possession without having to give a reason. The new Renters’ Rights Act removes that option — meaning no more no‑fault evictions. The government’s guide says the Act will “abolish section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions and move to a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies are periodic.”
Impact on eviction process and grounds
Once Section 21 is removed:
- Landlords will need to use other routes such as Section 8 notices, which require specific grounds (e.g. serious rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, landlord’s own use or sale of the property).
- The “accelerated possession” route tied to Section 21 may vanish, meaning more cases will go via court hearings.
- Tenancies will generally become periodic rather than fixed‐term ASTs.
Timeline and current status
Although the legislative process is nearing its end, the exact commencement date has yet to be confirmed. Until the new law is in force, Section 21 notices can still be served under current rules — but it makes sense to prepare now.
What this means for landlords in Guildford
A shift from reactive to proactive management
With no‑fault evictions no longer available, landlords cannot rely on simply giving notice when they wish to regain their property. That means:
- You’ll want to be more selective about tenants from the outset (as difficulties will be harder to manage later).
- Tenancies should be properly maintained, and issues resolved promptly — because the ability to act quickly is reduced.
- Having good tenancy management and records becomes more crucial than ever.
Stability can be a benefit
On the positive side:
- Good tenants who pay rent and respect the property may stay longer — offering less void risk and more reliable income.
- As fewer tenancies may end abruptly, the overall quality of the tenancy relationship can improve.
- In a competitive rental market, offering stable tenure can be attractive to tenants and help reduce turnover.
Local considerations for Guildford
In Guildford and the wider Surrey area, demand for quality rentals remains high. This presents a chance to position your property as a well‑managed, secure home — which supports longer tenancies and perhaps even better rental terms or tenant retention.
Given the changes afoot, landlords in the Guildford area must ensure compliance with all other legal duties (deposit protection, EPCs, gas safety certificates, and so on) — because greater scrutiny is likely. The guide to the Bill emphasises that landlords and letting agents will be under increased obligation.
How Belvoir Guildford can help you stay protected (and benefit)
Why full management becomes more advisable
If you are a let‑only landlord (you find the tenant, then essentially hand over and collect rent), the evolving landscape increases your risk:
- Managing problems becomes harder when the tools available to regain possession or remedy tenancy issues are more limited.
- Missing a legal obligation or failing to act promptly can lead to costly delays or risks.
By switching to full management, you benefit from: - A professional team handling tenant referencing, inspections, rent collection, compliance checks, and when necessary, giving correct possession notices and liaising with legal advisors.
- Early detection of issues (rent arrears, property damage, poor conduct) so you can act before small problems become major.
- Better protection of your investment, including minimising void periods, managing maintenance, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Given the reforms, full management offers peace of mind and a solid structure to adapt to the changes.
What landlords should do now
To prepare effectively for the reforms, consider the following:
- Review your current tenant screening process and tenancy agreements and update them in preparation for the new regime.
- Confirm that your property is fully compliant with all landlord obligations (safety certificates, deposit protection, EPC rating, correct tenant paperwork).
- Maintain robust records of inspections, maintenance, rent payments, and communications — useful evidence should any issue later arise.
- Consider moving your property into full management with Belvoir Guildford: benefit from professional processes, effective oversight and local market expertise.
- Discuss with your agent how the reforms might impact your letting strategy — e.g. tenant retention, tenancy term lengths, rent setting — and how you might position your property for longer‑term tenancies.
Final thoughts
The abolition of Section 21 marks a major shift in the private rented sector. While landlords will need to adjust to a regime where possession without reason is no longer possible, the change also brings opportunities: more stable tenancies, improved tenant relationships, and the chance to work with a trusted agent to stay ahead of compliance and risk.
For landlords in Guildford, partnering with a local specialist like Belvoir Guildford means you can navigate this transition with confidence, minimise your workload, and protect your investment. Whether you’re currently letting only or already using full management, now is the time to review your arrangements and ensure they’re fit for the new era.
If you’d like to discuss how the upcoming changes might affect your property or explore moving from let‑only to full management, please get in touch with the Belvoir Guildford team.
