Renters' Rights Applies to all tenancies from 1st May 2026

YOUR PIMS GUIDE TO RENTERS RIGHTS COMPLIANCE-

Select the button below to go straight to the stage that matches your current situation.

Eligibility to Let a Property - Including checking local council regulationsCheck whether you can legally let the property. Fines £40,000+
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Preparation - Once eligible the property must be compliant - otherwise cannot letPrepare certificates, documents and compliance requirements.
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Vetting a Tenant - A good Tenant is an easy life - a bad tenant could be lots of strifeReview referencing and tenant checks.
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Starting a Tenancy - your paperwork must be compliant with Renters Rights, Tenant Fee Ban, Fit for HabitationIssue the agreement and complete tenancy setup. Fines £4,000+
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Managing a Tenancy - The property and processes MUST remain compliantDay-to-day management and landlord responsibilities.
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Rent Arrears - now follow a very precise processGuidance when rent payments are late or unpaid. Fines £4,000 - Unlimited
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Breaches - Manage complaints to try and avoid escalationsGuidance when tenancy conditions are broken.
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Refusal to leave - Only a court appointed Bailiff can remove themGuidance when tenants refuse to leave. Fines £4,000+
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Ending a Tenancy - from friendly handover to BailiffNormal tenancy ending and checkout procedures.
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RENTERS RIGHT ACT ABOLISHES USE OF SECTION 21 NOTICE AND THIS IS THE new eviction process.

PIMS Eviction Flowchart

1. Problem Identified

Rent arrears, breach, tenant refuses to leave, or possession required.

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Can it be resolved safely?

If the tenant is willing to leave voluntarily, consider a documented surrender.

Negotiated Surrender

Is formal action needed?

If the tenant will not resolve matters, move into evidence and compliance control.

Rent Arrears Guide
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2. Build the Evidence File

Rent schedule, arrears letters, repair records, inspection records, guarantor contact, and service evidence.

Arrears LettersCompliance Checklist
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3. Check Risk Before Notice

Deposit, prescribed information, licensing, repairs, disrepair allegations, harassment risk, and Renters’ Rights fines exposure.

Check Fines & RisksDeposit Compliance
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Section 21 Transition Case?

Only if validly served before 1 May 2026 and court claim issued before 31 July 2026.

Court Outcomes

Section 8 Route

From 1 May 2026, use Form 3A and the correct Section 8 grounds.

Complete Section 8
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4. Serve Notice Correctly

Use the correct form, correct grounds, correct notice period, correct wording, and keep proof of service.

Use PIMS Section 8 NoticeCompletion Guide
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5. Prepare Court Bundle

Court is evidence-led. Prepare rent records, notices, service proof, compliance documents, repairs history and chronology.

Court Bundle Checklist
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6. Court Hearing & Judge’s Decision

The judge may grant outright possession, suspended possession, adjourn, dismiss, or make a money order.

Court Hearing & Outcomes
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Tenant Leaves

Record keys, condition, final account, deposit position and any remaining debt.

Tenant Stays

Do not change locks. Apply for bailiff or consider HCEO where justified.

Bailiff Enforcement

PIMS Final Rule

Do not skip stages. Every shortcut creates risk: invalid notice, failed claim, adjournment, counterclaim, enforcement delay or unlawful eviction allegation.

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