The Renters’ Rights Act is set to come into force in May 2026, bringing the biggest changes to the private rented sector in decades.

If you’re a landlord in Swindon, these reforms will significantly impact how you manage tenancies, increase rent, regain possession and advertise your properties.

Here’s everything Swindon landlords need to know — and how to prepare.

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces major reforms to rental law across England. It replaces the current assured shorthold tenancy (AST) system and strengthens tenant protections.

For landlords in Swindon and Wiltshire, this means new legal responsibilities and changes to long-standing processes.

The key implementation date is May 2026. From that point:

Further changes — including a landlord ombudsman and a national landlord database — are expected later in 2026.

The biggest headline change is the removal of Section 21.

Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a legal reason. Instead, possession must be sought under revised Section 8 grounds.

This means Swindon landlords will need:

If you’re used to relying on Section 21 as a fallback, your strategy will need to change.

Under the new rules, all tenancies will become rolling periodic agreements.

Tenants can leave with two months’ notice at any time. Landlords must use statutory grounds to regain possession.

For Swindon buy-to-let landlords, this impacts:

From May 2026:

This will directly affect landlords in high-demand areas of Swindon such as Old Town, North Swindon and Wichelstowe, where rental values have been rising.

Strategic pricing from the outset will become more important than ever.

The Act will:

For Swindon landlords, this changes how properties are marketed and how tenant affordability is assessed.

Landlords must consider pet requests and cannot unreasonably refuse them.

In addition, refusing tenants simply because they:

will be unlawful.

Clear policies and proper referencing will be key.

Swindon has a strong rental market, driven by:

However, increased regulation may lead to:

Professional landlords who adapt early are likely to be in the strongest position.

To prepare for May 2026:

✔ Review tenancy agreements
✔ Understand new Section 8 grounds
✔ Audit compliance paperwork
✔ Plan rent review strategy carefully
✔ Consider professional property management

The landlords who prepare now will avoid costly mistakes later.