If you let property in Long Ashton, the rules of the game are changing – and they are changing fast.
The Renters’ Rights Act is the biggest overhaul of the private rented sector in a generation. It abolishes Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, rewrites how tenancies work, and introduces a new national database that every landlord must register with. Whether you own one family home near Yanley Lane or a portfolio of properties across the BS41 postcode, these changes affect you directly.
At CJ Hole Long Ashton, we have been helping landlords navigate exactly this kind of change for over 150 years. Here is what you need to know.
The key changes every Long Ashton landlord must understand
Section 21 is gone
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions are abolished. You will no longer be able to ask a tenant to leave simply because you want the property back.
If you need to recover possession, you must rely on specific grounds under Section 8. These include rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or a genuine intention to sell or move into the property yourself.
This is a significant shift. Long Ashton attracts professional tenants and families who value stability — many are drawn to the village for its excellent schools, green spaces, and easy access to Bristol via the A370. That is good news for landlords who want long-term, reliable tenants. But it does mean you need a clear legal process in place before issues arise.
All tenancies become periodic
Fixed-term tenancies are being phased out. All tenancies will become open-ended periodic agreements from day one.
Tenants will be able to give two months’ notice to leave at any point. As a landlord, you will need to use the reformed Section 8 grounds to regain possession when required.
For landlords letting family homes along Long Ashton Road or near the village centre, this means reviewing your tenancy agreements now — not once the Act is fully in force.
Rent increases are being tightened
Landlords will only be able to increase rent once per year. Any increase must be made through a formal notice process, and tenants will have the right to challenge increases they consider above market rate through a first-tier tribunal.
This does not mean you cannot raise rents. It means the process must be followed correctly. Get it wrong and the increase may not stand.
The new Private Rented Sector Database
A new national private rented sector database is being introduced. All landlords in England — including those letting properties in BS41 — will be required to register.
This is not optional. Failure to register could result in financial penalties and restrictions on your ability to serve valid notices. The database is designed to improve transparency across the sector and give tenants access to information about their landlord’s compliance record.
What landlords in Long Ashton need to do now
Review your tenancy agreements
Your existing tenancy agreements may no longer be fit for purpose. Fixed-term clauses, Section 21 notice procedures, and rent review mechanisms will all need to be updated to reflect the new legislation.
Do not wait for the Act to be fully implemented. Start reviewing your documents now.
Understand your Section 8 grounds
Section 8 is your primary route to possession under the new rules. The reformed grounds are broader than before, but the process is more structured. You need to understand which grounds apply to your situation and how to serve notices correctly.
A mistake in the notice process can delay possession by months. In a village like Long Ashton, where demand for family rental homes is strong, that kind of delay has a real financial impact.
Register with the new database
When the Private Rented Sector Database launches, register promptly. Keep your property details accurate and up to date. This is a legal requirement — not an administrative nicety.
Check your EPC rating
The government’s proposed minimum EPC rating of C for new tenancies remains a key consideration for landlords planning ahead. Properties in older parts of Long Ashton, including some of the characterful homes near the village conservation area, may require investment to meet future standards. Now is the time to assess where your property stands.
The risks of getting it wrong
Non-compliance under the Renters’ Rights Act carries real consequences. These include:
- Civil penalties of up to £7,000 for initial breaches, rising to £40,000 for repeat offences.
- Being listed on the database as a non-compliant landlord, which can affect your ability to let legally.
- Invalid notices, which means delayed possession and continued financial exposure.
- Reputational damage in a close-knit community like Long Ashton, where word travels quickly.
The legislation is designed to professionalise the sector. Landlords who treat compliance seriously will be well placed. Those who do not will face increasing risk.
How CJ Hole Long Ashton can help
We understand that keeping up with legislation is time-consuming — especially if you are managing multiple properties or balancing a letting portfolio alongside other commitments.
Our team at CJ Hole Long Ashton knows the BS41 rental market inside out. We know the streets, the tenant profiles, the demand patterns, and the compliance requirements. We have been supporting landlords in this part of Bristol for decades, and we are ready to support you through these changes too.
Our fully managed letting service takes the compliance burden off your shoulders. We handle tenancy agreements, rent reviews, Section 8 notices, and database registration – so you do not have to.
Ready to protect your investment?
The Renters’ Rights Act is not a reason to panic. It is a reason to be prepared.
Whether you let a single family home near Yanley Lane or manage a portfolio across Long Ashton and the wider Bristol commuter belt, getting the right support in place now will save you time, money, and stress later.
Book a free property valuation with CJ Hole Long Ashton to find out what your property could be worth in the current market.
Or get in touch with the CJ Hole Long Ashton team directly to talk through your options. We are here to help you stay compliant, protect your investment, and let with confidence — backed by over 150 years of trusted expertise in the South West.
