🧾 A Compliance Guide from Highwood Estates
On 27 October 2025, the long-anticipated Renters’ Rights Act officially passed into law, setting the stage for the most sweeping changes in England’s private rental sector in decades.
For landlords in Mill Hill, Finchley, Colindale, Highgate, Hampstead, Hendon, Whetstone, and surrounding areas, this means one thing: prepare now or risk falling behind.
At Highwood Estates, we’re already working with landlords across North and North West London to make sure their properties will remain compliant — and profitable — under the new law.
🔑 Key Changes You Must Prepare For
❌ Section 21 Abolished (Mid–Late 2026)
Landlords will no longer be able to serve a “no-fault” eviction notice. All evictions must be made through reformed Section 8 grounds with evidence and valid reasoning.
👉 Why management matters:
We ensure all tenancies are documented and managed correctly — so you’re protected if legal action becomes necessary.
🔁 Fixed-Term Tenancies Scrapped
All ASTs and fixed terms will be replaced with rolling periodic tenancies. This gives tenants flexibility — but increases the burden on landlords to stay on top of renewals, notices, and rent reviews.
👉 We manage this for you, including tenant communication, compliance dates, and renewals — all without gaps in your income.
📉 Rent Increases Capped (2027)
You’ll only be allowed one rent increase per year, and it must reflect the true market rate — not arbitrary pricing.
👉 We conduct local rent reviews across NW London to ensure you’re compliant and optimising returns.
🐾 Pets: No More Blanket Bans
Landlords must now consider all pet requests and provide a valid reason for any refusal. You can still request a larger deposit (up to 8 weeks), but outright bans will no longer be legal.
👉 We manage these requests professionally and ensure the correct agreements and deposits are in place — so you’re protected without breaking the law.
🧾 Caps on Deposits & Rent in Advance
- Standard deposits remain capped at 5 weeks’ rent
- Rent in advance is now capped as well
- Only tenants with pets can be asked for a higher deposit (up to 8 weeks)
👉 Our tenancy agreements and onboarding processes follow the new legal standards by default.
🚨 No Discrimination Allowed
Letting policies that exclude families or tenants on benefits are now illegal.
👉 Our pre-screening, referencing, and compliance checks ensure your property is marketed and let lawfully.
🏚️ Decent Homes Standard (2027)
A new mandatory quality standard will apply to all private rentals. It covers:
- Heating
- Energy efficiency
- Safety
- Maintenance & repairs
👉 We inspect all managed properties regularly and advise on upgrades to meet this new standard.
📅 Timeline Overview
| Reform | Rollout Estimate |
| Section 21 ends | Mid–Late 2026 |
| Periodic tenancies | Late 2026 |
| Rent cap | 2027 |
| Decent Homes Standard | 2027 |
✅ Why Landlords Are Handing Over to Highwood Estates
Managing a rental property under these new regulations is no longer a DIY task. The legal, financial, and operational risk has never been higher.
At Highwood Estates, we:
✅ Handle all compliance and documentation
✅ Monitor legal changes and act early
✅ Manage all tenant issues, notices, inspections, and maintenance
✅ Keep you protected, profitable, and fully informed
📍Letting a property in NW London?
We specialise in compliance-driven property management across Mill Hill, Millbrook Park, Colindale, Finchley, Whetstone, Highgate, Hendon, and Hampstead.
📞 Call 0203 3707 728
📧 info@highwood-estates.co.uk
🌐 www.highwood-estates.co.uk
📝 Book a free rental compliance review now.
