April 2026 will go down as one of the most significant months the private rented sector has seen in decades.

At Landlord Action, it has been our busiest month on record, not just in terms of instructions, but also in terms of media activity. We have featured in more than 60 pieces of national and trade coverage across outlets including the BBC, The Telegraph, The Financial Times and others, all focused on the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act and the abolition of Section 21 from 1 May.

This level of attention reflects just how important this moment is for landlords, tenants and the wider housing market.

A moment years in the making

The abolition of Section 21 was first proposed back in 2019, and since then, as the industry has prepared for what is now one of the biggest changes to the private rented sector in decades, we have been at the forefront of campaigning to make sure landlords’ voices are heard.

We have worked hard to highlight the practical realities of possession, the pressures on the court system, and the risks of unintended consequences. Not to oppose reform outright, but to make sure it is workable in practice.

That has always been the goal, a fairer system for all, but one that recognises the realities of running rental property. While not all of the measures many in the sector had hoped for have materialised, particularly around court reform and incentives to retain landlords, we are now at the point where the focus must shift to making the system work.

A period of uncertainty but also adjustment

There is no doubt that the run-up to 1 May has created uncertainty. April saw a surge in landlords taking action, many choosing to serve notice or review their position before the changes came into force.

That level of activity reflects a natural reaction to significant change. Whenever the rules shift, behaviour shifts with them. However, while there has been understandable concern, particularly around possession and how the courts will cope, it is important to recognise that the market does not stop.

Tenants still need homes and landlords will continue to provide them.

A new landscape for landlords

The rental landscape has now fundamentally changed. With fully periodic tenancies and a greater reliance on the courts to regain possession, landlords are operating in a very different environment.

That brings practical challenges. There are real concerns about how the courts will cope and how long cases will take to resolve, but this is now the reality of the sector.

The focus must shift to adapting to the new rules, strengthening processes, and ensuring landlords are in the best possible position to operate effectively within this system.

The importance of compliance

If there is one message landlords should take from these changes, it is that compliance has never been more important.

In a system where possession relies more heavily on process and evidence, getting the basics right is critical. Documentation, procedures and timelines will all play a bigger role than they have done previously.

Landlords who are organised, informed and compliant will be in a far stronger position to navigate the new rules. If you cannot manage this yourself, now is the time to seek professional support. A good, reputable agent can take care of compliance and tenancy management and in my opinion, it is a cost most landlords will not regret.

Giving landlords a voice

At Landlord Action, our role does not end here.

We will continue to raise the concerns we see in practice, highlight the issues landlords face, and make sure that those experiences are heard at the highest levels. A balanced and sustainable private rented sector depends on landlords having a fair voice in the conversation.

We also want to hear directly from you. LandlordZONE provides a forum for landlords to share experiences, engage with others facing the same challenges, and make sure those real-world issues continue to be brought to the forefront.

Moving forward

This is undoubtedly a turning point for the sector. There will be challenges ahead, and adjustments to be made, but the fundamentals remain the same. The private rented sector plays a vital role in housing millions of people across the UK, and that will not change.

The focus now must be on adapting to the new rules, confirming compliance, and making the system work as effectively as possible for both landlords and tenants.

Because while the legislation may have changed, the need for a functioning rental market has not.

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