Rental Pulse: March 2026 – 1 May Deadline Approaches

March is the heart of the spring lettings market – historically the most active period of the year, and the best window to secure quality tenancies before summer. It also brings the Renters’ Rights Act deadline of 1 May 2026 to within touching distance. Here’s how to make the most of spring while getting compliant.

The Renters’ Rights Act: the 1 May deadline approaches

The Act’s headline reforms commence on 1 May 2026 in England. The dates that matter:

• 30 April 2026 – the last day to serve a Section 21 “no-fault” notice.
• 1 May 2026 – Section 21 is abolished and tenancies become periodic (rolling) by default; possession is obtained through the expanded Section 8 grounds. Rent increases are capped to once every 12 months through the statutory Section 13 process.
• 31 May 2026 – deadline to give existing tenants the required written statement of terms (penalties apply for non-compliance).

The 31 May statement must also include the government’s explanation sheet for tenants. A note on territory: these changes apply to England. Wales has operated a similar model since the Renting Homes (Wales) Act came into force in December 2022, and Scotland ended no-fault evictions back in 2017 under the Private Residential Tenancy. Wherever you let, the direction of travel is the same – open-ended tenancies and grounds-based possession. Getting deposit protection and your written terms in order now matters, because compliance underpins your ability to regain possession. Our Renters’ Rights Act guide has the full picture.

Making the most of the spring market

Spring demand is accelerating – in February, viewing requests per property were up around a third on January and enquiries arrived faster. Processing stretches a little as volume rises, but well-presented, accurately priced homes are still letting within about two weeks:

New on the platform this quarter

• Rent payment links – tenants can pay rent from a secure one-click link in reminder emails (no login), so collection is faster and arrears risk lower.
• Communication preferences – landlords and tenants can control non-essential messages by channel; contracts, payment notifications and security alerts are always delivered.
• Feedback at every step – prompts at key milestones (viewings, contracts, payments) feed the product roadmap.

And when issues arise, the team keeps things moving – chasing late payments and giving overseas landlords peace of mind, with five-star reviews to match.