The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force on 1st May 2026, bringing the most significant change to rental law in a generation. Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, buyer or seller in Virginia Water, The Wentworth Estate, Englefield Green, Sunningdale, Ascot or the surrounding areas, these changes will affect you. If you let property, there is one key deadline you cannot afford to miss: 31st May 2026.
Understanding what’s changing will help you make informed decisions, whether you’re managing a tenancy, considering a move, or reviewing an investment in this part of the market. At Barton Wyatt, we’ve spent decades supporting clients across Virginia Water, The Wentworth Estate, Englefield Green, Ascot and Sunningdale. With the right guidance, these changes are entirely manageable.
If you’re considering letting your property or moving to the area, take a moment to browse our Properties for sale in Wentworth Estate, Properties for let in Virginia Water and the surrounding areas. If you have any questions, you can also visit our award-winning website or call us on 01344 843000 and email us.
What’s actually changing with the Renters’ Rights Act
For landlords
If you let property in Virginia Water, Wentworth Estate, Englefield Green, Ascot or Sunningdale, below are the key changes to be aware of. The exception – Non-housing act tenancies – generally those where the rent is more than £100,000 a year, and properties let to Companies – are exempt from these new rules. Business as usual!
Section 21 evictions are being removed
From 1st May 2026, you will need a valid legal reason to regain possession, such as serious rent arrears of more than 3 months, antisocial behaviour, or a genuine intention to sell or move into the property (which covers a wide range of family members). This places greater importance on careful tenant selection and management from the outset.
Tenancies will move to periodic agreements
Fixed-term contracts will be replaced by rolling monthly arrangements. Existing tenancies will convert automatically, but Landlords must provide tenants with the official Information Sheet by 31st May 2026.
Rent increases will follow a stricter process
Rents can only be increased once per year, and tenants can challenge rises they believe are above market level in the first-tier tribunal. Setting the correct rent at the start is more important than ever, particularly in prime areas such as the Wentworth Estate and Sunningdale.
Rental bidding wars are no longer permitted
Landlords and agents must advertise a clear asking rent and cannot accept higher offers by law. Advance rent payments are limited to one months rent in advance.
Tenants will also have strengthened rights around pets and discrimination
Requests for pets cannot be unreasonably refused, and blanket bans on tenants with children or those receiving benefits are no longer allowed.
For tenants
For those tenants renting in Virginia Water and the surrounding areas, the Act introduces greater clarity and security. You will have stronger protections against unfair rent increases, clearer tenancy terms, and more flexibility when it comes to pets.
For buyers and sellers
The rental market plays a key role in shaping buyer behaviour. Whether you are purchasing an investment property or a home, understanding these changes will help you make better-informed decisions.
For sellers, particularly in areas with strong rental demand, this added context can also help position your property effectively.
The 31st May 2026 deadline landlords cannot miss
If you are a landlord with an existing tenancy, this date is critical. By 31st May 2026, you must provide every tenant with the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet. This government-issued document explains how the new legislation affects their tenancy and must be issued correctly. Barton Wyatt is issuing these for all fully managed properties on behalf of their clients.
Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £7,000, rising to £40,000 for continued breaches.
To meet the requirement:
- Download the official document from GOV.UK
- Send the document itself (not a link)
- Provide a copy to every named tenant
- Ensure your managing agent has also issued it if applicable
- If your tenancy is verbal and began before 1st May 2026, you will need to provide written details in line with government guidance.
How we can help
At Barton Wyatt, we support landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers across Virginia Water, the Wentworth Estate, Englefield Green, Ascot, Sunningdale and the surrounding areas.
For landlords, our lettings service is designed to simplify compliance and day-to-day management. Whether you require full management or specific advice, we ensure your property is aligned with the latest legislation while protecting your investment.
Our international reach also helps secure high-quality tenants for premium homes, which is particularly valuable across Virginia Water and the wider prime market.
For tenants, we offer local knowledge and guidance to help you secure the right property with confidence.
For buyers and sellers, we provide clear advice on how changes in the lettings market may influence your next move.
What Virginia Water landlords should do before the end of May
- Download the official Information Sheet from www.gov.uk and issue it to all existing tenants before 31st May 2026
- Confirm your managing agent has also issued it if they look after your property
- Review all existing tenancy agreements in light of the new rules
- Prepare updated documentation for any new tenancies starting from 1st May 2026 onwards
- Switch to the Section 13 process for any planned rent increases
- Check your advertised rent reflects what you are genuinely willing to accept.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents the most significant shift in the private rental sector for many years. Landlords who take a little time now to review their position will find the transition much smoother, and will be well placed to continue letting with confidence.
If you are unsure about anything, there is no need to worry. Our team at Barton Wyatt has advised landlords across Virginia Water, the Wentworth Estate and the surrounding area for many years and we are happy to talk you through what these changes mean for your property or portfolio.
The Government white papers are all available to read on the www.gov.uk website along with updates on the Act via Parliament. If you have any questions or worries about your rental property, a member of our expert team would be happy to advise where they can. You can call us on 01344 843000 or email us.
GET IN TOUCH
If you are thinking of moving in or out of the area, make sure you take a look at our amazing catalogue of properties for sale in Virginia Water and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to speak to someone about properties to let in Virginia Water, a member of our expert team would be happy to help. You can call us on 01344 843000 or email us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn to stay updated.
