No-fault evictions scrapped as Renters' Rights Act shakes up Sheffield's rental market
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Landlords across Sheffield and South Yorkshire are being urged to review their practices as sweeping new legislation abolishes 'no-fault' evictions and introduces tighter rules on rent, pets, and property possession.
Landlords in Sheffield and across South Yorkshire are facing significant changes to how they operate following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act earlier in 2026. The new legislation has abolished Section 21 'no-fault' evictions in England, fundamentally altering the landscape for property owners and tenants alike.
The overhaul extends beyond evictions, bringing in stricter regulations concerning rent increases, banning rental bidding wars, and granting tenants stronger rights regarding pets. Landlords are now being advised to meticulously check their tenancy agreements, paperwork, and insurance policies to ensure compliance with the updated rules.
What the end of Section 21 means for landlords
Under the new Act, landlords in England can no longer use Section 21 to regain possession of a property without a legally recognised reason. While they can still recover a property on legitimate grounds – such as plans to sell, moving into the property themselves, redevelopment, or serious breaches of tenancy like rent arrears – these possession claims will now require more substantial evidence.
The reforms also see the replacement of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies with periodic tenancies. This change means landlords will generally be limited to increasing rent only once every 12 months, and tenants will gain the ability to challenge any rent rises they deem unfair. Furthermore, the practice of rental bidding wars has been explicitly banned.
One notable change affects pet ownership. Blanket 'no pets' policies are being phased out, with tenants now able to request permission to keep a pet. Any refusal from a landlord must be based on reasonable grounds.
This shift has prompted insurer AXA to warn landlords that standard insurance policies often do not cover damage caused by domestic pets, including scratching, chewing, or fouling. They recommend that landlords review their policies to understand what is covered as these new rules come into effect.
The importance of insurance and accurate records
AXA stresses the importance of landlords ensuring their insurance details accurately reflect the property, the type of tenant, and their current circumstances, along with meeting all policy conditions. Out-of-date or inaccurate information could jeopardise cover when a claim is made.
With possession cases becoming more evidence-based, some insurance coverage may also necessitate more detailed tenant checks, including credit references, verified bank details, and proof of identity. AXA suggests that the more formal process for regaining possession could lead to additional legal proceedings, increased financial pressure, and potentially higher insurance premiums across the sector over time.
Landlords, whether managing a single property or a larger portfolio, are strongly advised to review their tenancy agreements, record-keeping practices, and insurance arrangements to adapt to the new regulatory environment. Practical guidance is available through resources such as AXA’s landlord advice hub.
☀️ Summer may be fading, but this deal is scorching. The TOG24 Jacinda Women’s Supersoft Jersey Playsuit has plummeted from £50 to just £8, saving shoppers £42 in a huge 84% reduction.
💗 Made mainly from soft viscose and cotton, the bright pink playsuit features an elasticated drawstring waist, back-button fastening and two handy hip pockets. It’s an easy throw-on outfit for holidays, warm weekends or getting next summer’s wardrobe sorted ludicrously early.
⚠️ The catch? Only selected sizes are still available, and an £8 clearance price is unlikely to help them hang around. Check whether your size has survived here.
🏡✨ For 19p, you could be in with a chance of winning a £1.85 million dream home bundle in Lancashire, complete with five en-suite bedrooms, 1.77 acres, smart-home tech, a Gaggenau kitchen and every bit of furniture included.
🚗💨 The prize also comes with a black 2023 Range Rover D300, packed with luxury touches including a panoramic roof, Windsor leather, Meridian audio and a huge 13.1-inch touchscreen.
💷 Prefer the money? The winner can take the £1.3 million tax-free cash alternative instead, with the live draw set for Friday, July 31 at 9pm.