The rules have changed – and if you’re a landlord in Christchurch or the wider BH23 area, it’s time to act.
As of late December 2025, BCP Council (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) has been granted expanded enforcement powers under the Renters’ Rights Act 2026. These new powers give the council more control, more visibility, and more authority to penalise non-compliant landlords – with fines reaching up to £30,000 per breach.
The good news? With the right knowledge and proactive steps, you can stay fully compliant and protect your investment – without the stress.
This guide explains what’s changed, what’s expected of landlords in Christchurch, and how to stay ahead in 2026 and beyond.
What’s changed for landlords in Christchurch?
The Renters’ Rights Act is a national reform, but BCP Council is one of a select group of local authorities granted enhanced powers to:
- Access rental data directly from the new national property portal
- Issue compliance notices without formal warnings
- Conduct unannounced inspections of registered properties
- Enforce fines, bans and rent repayment orders more swiftly
In short – local enforcement is now faster, smarter, and more visible than ever before.
If you’re a “hands-off” landlord – perhaps letting through friends, managing remotely, or without professional support – you could already be in breach without knowing it.
Who do the new rules apply to?
All landlords letting residential property in Christchurch and the wider BH23 postcode – including:
- Single-let homes
- HMOs (houses in multiple occupation)
- Short-term or student lets
- Rent-to-rent or company let arrangements
- Accidental landlords or inherited properties
Even if you’re letting to a friend or family member, you still fall under the Act if rent is being paid.
Five steps to stay compliant under the 2026 Renters’ Rights Act
1. Register on the national property portal
The landlord registration scheme is now live – and it’s mandatory.
What’s required:
- Every landlord must register and list each rental property
- You must upload documentation, including:
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
- Gas Safety Certificate
- EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
- Deposit protection proof
This portal is visible to BCP Council and tenants, so transparency is now built into the system.
Next steps:
- Digitise your documents
- Check your EPC rating (see step 4)
- Set up your account and upload everything
If you don’t register, expect the BCP Council to follow up – and issue penalties.
Need help registering? Speak to our lettings team:
2. Update your tenancy agreements
The Act introduces sweeping changes to tenancy law:
- Section 21 is gone – you can’t evict without using legal grounds
- All new tenancies are periodic – no fixed end date
- Tenants have the right to request pets – and must be considered fairly
What this means:
- ASTs with fixed dates may now be invalid
- You’ll need updated clauses for notice periods, pets and rent reviews
- Evictions must use Section 8 grounds, with documentation
What to do now:
- Review all active agreements
- Switch to legally compliant templates
- Get professional help if unsure – this is not an area to guess
We can provide up-to-date agreements and issue notices correctly on your behalf.
3. Prepare for unannounced inspections
BCP Council can now inspect properties without prior warning, especially if:
- A tenant reports disrepair
- You haven’t registered on the portal
- Documentation appears incomplete or inconsistent
Common risks include:
- Missing smoke or carbon monoxide alarms
- Heating systems that don’t meet minimum standards
- Unsafe wiring or faulty gas appliances
- Unlicensed HMOs (even small ones)
Your checklist:
- Fit smoke alarms on every floor, and CO alarms near boilers or solid fuel appliances
- Ensure heating works effectively and efficiently
- Keep maintenance records (even WhatsApp chats with contractors count)
- Double-check if your property qualifies as an HMO – this may include houses with just three sharers
Unsure if your property needs a licence? Get local advice here:
4. Plan ahead for energy upgrades
There’s no official deadline yet, but all signs point to EPC C becoming mandatory by 2028. Many lenders already require this for buy-to-let mortgages, and BCP Council is encouraging early upgrades.
Why act now?
- Avoid future compliance issues
- Attract better tenants
- Improve comfort and cut energy bills
Start with:
- Loft insulation
- Efficient heating controls
- LED lighting and draught-proofing
Bonus: Homes with an EPC rating of C or better tend to let faster – and may command higher rents.
5. Work with a licensed letting agent
If you’re not managing property full-time – or simply want peace of mind – now’s the time to delegate.
At Belvoir Christchurch, our fully managed service includes:
- Arranging safety checks and renewals
- Ensuring portal registration and document uploads
- Rent collection and arrears chasing
- Maintenance coordination and emergency support
- Serving Section 8 notices if needed
You stay in control – but without the stress, admin or risk of missing a rule change.
Discover our landlord services in BH23
What happens if you don’t comply?
The new council powers have teeth. Landlords who don’t comply may face:
- Fines of up to £30,000 per offence
- Rent repayment orders – tenants can reclaim up to 12 months’ rent
- Entry onto a national ‘rogue landlord’ register
- Possession rights revoked – making it harder to regain control of your property
- Damage to your reputation – which could affect future lending or portfolio growth
These aren’t hypothetical risks. Local authorities like BCP are already taking action, and Christchurch landlords are under the spotlight.
FAQs: landlord compliance in Christchurch 2026
Does my property need a licence?
If you let to three or more unrelated people, it’s likely an HMO – and may need a licence under BCP’s additional licensing scheme. Even some two-storey homes qualify.
Can I still ask tenants to leave if I want to sell?
Yes – but not without cause. You’ll need to use Section 8 and prove the reason (e.g. sale or landlord moving in). Always take advice before serving notice.
How do I know if I’m compliant?
Run through this quick checklist:
- Is your property registered on the portal?
- Are EPC, gas and EICR certificates up to date?
- Do you have a legally compliant tenancy agreement?
- Is maintenance documented?
- Are you aware of EPC changes and tenant rights?
If you’re unsure on any point, get professional help. It’s cheaper than a fine – and much less stressful.
Final thoughts: protect your property, protect your future
Being a landlord in 2026 is very different to what it was just five years ago.
With the Renters’ Rights Act 2026 and BCP Council’s expanded enforcement powers, compliance is no longer optional – it’s essential.
But with the right advice and support, it doesn’t have to be hard.
- Understand the local rental landscape
- Work closely with BCP enforcement teams
- Manage everything from registration to repairs
So whether you own a single flat or a growing portfolio, we’ll help you stay compliant – and confident.
Book your free landlord compliance check today
Because property is personal. And so is getting it right.
