If you let property in Brislington – whether that’s a terraced house on Bath Road, a flat near Brislington Retail Park, or a portfolio spread across BS4 and BS14 – the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) represents one of the biggest changes to your responsibilities in a generation.
It’s understandable to feel uncertain. New legislation always brings questions. But at CJ Hole Brislington, we’ve been helping local landlords navigate change for over 150 years, and we’re here to make this straightforward for you.
Let’s walk through what the RRA means, what you need to do, and how we can help.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
The Renters’ Rights Act is landmark legislation from the UK government that fundamentally reshapes the private rented sector in England. The first major phase of reforms came into force on 1 May 2026, changing how private rented tenancies begin, operate and end.
For Brislington landlords, understanding the changes that are already in force is essential. Further measures under the Act are being introduced in phases, so landlords should continue to monitor government guidance as implementation progresses.
The end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
This is one of the most significant changes. Since 1 May 2026, landlords can no longer use Section 21 notices to end an assured tenancy without giving a legal reason.
If you need to regain possession of your property, you must now rely on a valid statutory possession ground and follow the required notice and court procedures. These grounds cover circumstances including rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, the landlord or a qualifying family member needing to occupy the property, and an intention to sell.
What this means for Brislington landlords
Brislington attracts a wide mix of tenants. Young professionals commuting into Bristol city centre, families drawn to the area’s schools and green spaces like Nightingale Valley, and longer-term renters who value the community feel of streets around Hungerford Road and St Anne’s.
With Section 21 no longer available, it’s more important than ever to have robust tenancy documentation from the start. Clear records, thorough tenant referencing, and proper record-keeping can help landlords manage their responsibilities effectively.
We handle all of this for our managed landlords as standard.
The move to periodic tenancies
The Renters’ Rights Act has abolished fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies in the private rented sector. Since 1 May 2026, new assured tenancies are periodic rather than fixed-term, while most existing assured shorthold tenancies automatically became assured periodic tenancies.
These tenancies run on a rolling basis, such as monthly or weekly depending on the tenancy, and no longer have a fixed end date. Tenants can generally end an assured periodic tenancy by giving two months’ notice, subject to the applicable rules.
Is this a concern for BS4 and BS14 landlords?
Not necessarily. Many landlords in the Brislington area already have long-standing tenants who stay well beyond an initial fixed term. Periodic tenancies may formalise arrangements that some landlords and tenants were already familiar with.
The key shift is that the end of a fixed term is no longer a straightforward route to recovering possession. Planning ahead – and working with an agent who understands your portfolio – becomes far more valuable.
At CJ Hole Brislington, we review each managed property proactively. We flag issues early so you’re never caught off guard.
New rules on rent increases
Under the new assured periodic tenancy framework, landlords can generally increase rent only once a year. They must follow the prescribed Section 13 process, use Form 4A, and give tenants at least two months’ notice. Tenants can challenge a proposed increase through the First-tier Tribunal if they believe it is above the open-market rent.
Setting the right rent from the start
This makes accurate, market-led rent pricing more important than ever. Set the rent too low and you may struggle to raise it meaningfully later. Set it too high and you risk longer void periods in a competitive local market.
Brislington’s rental market remains active. Demand is strong from tenants who want Bristol connectivity without city-centre prices.
Our team at CJ Hole Brislington provides detailed rental valuations based on local market data. We know what properties on Wick Road, Sandy Park Road, and Broomhill Road are achieving right now – and we’ll make sure your rent is positioned correctly.
Strengthened tenant rights and the Decent Homes Standard
The Renters’ Rights Act includes reforms designed to strengthen standards and tenant protections in the private rented sector. However, landlords should distinguish between measures already in force and reforms that are being introduced in later phases.
The Act also introduced protections against discrimination relating to children and tenants receiving benefits from 1 May 2026. Landlords and agents must not refuse to rent a property because a prospective tenant has children or receives benefits.
Tenants can also request permission to keep a pet, and landlords must consider such requests in accordance with the new rules.
What action should you take now?
Start with a property condition review. If your Brislington rental hasn’t had a recent inspection, now is the time. Identify any maintenance issues that could put you at risk of a compliance challenge.
Review your tenancy agreements and referencing processes. Make sure your documentation is up to date and reflects the current legal framework. If you’re self-managing, this is a good moment to consider whether professional management gives you better protection.
For existing written assured tenancies, landlords do not necessarily need to replace the tenancy agreement simply because it has become periodic. However, landlords were required to provide most existing tenants with the government-produced Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026.
The Decent Homes Standard and EPC requirements
Alongside the Renters’ Rights Act reforms, landlords should continue to monitor developments affecting property condition and energy efficiency.
For most privately rented properties in England, the current minimum energy-efficiency standard remains E, subject to applicable exemptions. Landlords should ensure their EPC remains valid and that their property complies with the current Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards requirements.
Many properties in Brislington – particularly the Victorian and Edwardian terraces common around the BS4 postcode – may benefit from energy-efficiency improvements. Acting early can give landlords more time to plan improvements and manage potential costs.
How CJ Hole Brislington can help you stay compliant
We understand that legislation like this can feel overwhelming, especially if you manage multiple properties or are relatively new to letting. You don’t have to work through it alone.
CJ Hole has been supporting landlords across Bristol and the South West since 1867. Our Brislington team combines that long heritage with up-to-date knowledge of legislative changes affecting your investment.
Here’s what we offer landlords in the area:
Comprehensive property management that keeps you compliant at every stage. Robust tenant referencing to protect your investment from day one. Accurate, data-led rental valuations based on local BS4 and BS14 market activity. Proactive communication – we’ll always tell you what’s coming before it arrives.
Whether you have one property on Hungerford Road or a portfolio spread across Brislington and Knowle, we tailor our service to your needs.
Get the right advice for your Brislington rental property
The Renters’ Rights Act is significant – but it’s manageable with the right support. Landlords who understand the reforms already in force and keep their processes up to date will be in a much stronger position than those who rely on outdated procedures.
Don’t leave your investment exposed. Speak to the team at CJ Hole Brislington today. We’ll review your current arrangements, explain which changes apply to your properties, and help you build a compliant, sustainable lettings strategy for 2026 and beyond.
Book a free lettings review with our Brislington team at CJ Hole – we’re ready to help you move forward with confidence.
Get in touch with us to see how we can help you today. Whether you want to discuss a specific property, review your portfolio, or simply ask a question about the Renters’ Rights Act, we’re here and we’re listening.
