Self-managing landlords need current guidance
The Renters Rights Act changed important parts of private renting. If you manage your own property, you cannot rely on old tenancy templates, old possession assumptions or outdated advert wording.
GOV.UK publishes a guide to the Renters Rights Act. Check it before making decisions, especially where possession, tenancy terms or discrimination rules are involved.
No-fault possession has changed
The headline change is the move away from section 21 no-fault eviction. Landlords must rely on legally recognised grounds for possession and be able to evidence the reason.
That makes record-keeping more important. Keep tenancy documents, rent records, repair communication, inspection notes and any evidence that supports a possession ground.
Tenancy terms and written information
Older fixed-term assumptions may no longer fit new rules. Written information for tenants also matters more because both parties need clarity on rent, deposit, repairs, bills and responsibilities.
If you use a template agreement, make sure it matches the current rules for the country where the property is located. England and Wales do not use identical rental frameworks.
Advertising and tenant selection
Advertising should be factual and fair. The Renters Rights Act includes measures around rental discrimination, including applicants with children and applicants receiving benefits.
Use clear affordability and suitability criteria, but avoid blanket bans. Assess each applicant on evidence, referencing results and whether the property genuinely suits their needs.
What to update in your own process
Self-managing landlords should update advert templates, enquiry replies, viewing scripts, referencing workflow and tenancy paperwork. The change is not just legal theory; it affects everyday decisions.
PropertyAdverts supports landlords with advertising, enquiries and optional tenant referencing, but legal responsibility remains with the landlord.
How to use this before you advertise
Use this guide as a pre-advertising check, not as a substitute for current legal advice. Landlords have to balance speed, compliance and applicant quality, especially when rules or tenant expectations change.
A fixed-fee advert can reduce marketing cost, but it does not remove the landlord responsibilities around safety, fair selection, tenancy paperwork or ongoing management. Keep those decisions separate from the advert package itself.
- Check current GOV.UK guidance where the topic involves legal duties.
- Prepare compliance documents before you accept a tenant.
- Use enquiry quality and referencing evidence rather than guesswork.
- Use the landlord route when the property is ready to advertise.
Common landlord questions
Should I check this before advertising?
Yes. If renters rights act self managing landlords affects legal readiness, rent, tenant selection or paperwork, check it before you accept an applicant. Advertising is faster when the landlord is prepared.
Does PropertyAdverts replace landlord legal advice?
No. PropertyAdverts supports advertising, enquiries and optional tenant services. Landlords remain responsible for legal compliance, property safety and choosing a suitable tenancy process.
Can I add tenant services after the advert?
Yes. Referencing and tenancy tools are most useful once there is a serious applicant. Keeping them separate from the advert helps you avoid paying for extras too early.
What if the rules change again?
Check current GOV.UK guidance before relying on old templates or old advice. Rental rules have changed recently, so stale checklists can create risk.
Where should I go next?
If Renters Rights Act: a guide for self-managing landlords answers your planning question, prepare the advert details and choose the landlord package that gives the portal reach you need.
Before advertising your next rental, review current guidance, then use PropertyAdverts to manage the advert and enquiry flow.