Our friends and sponsors at Julian Wadden share their insight on what the new Renters' Rights Bill means for Stockport.

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The UK's private rented sector is on the cusp of its biggest transformation in decades, with the Renters' Rights Act 2025 set to take effect from May 2026.

For landlords and tenants in Stockport - a town that has seen rising demand from commuters, young professionals, and families priced out of Manchester—these changes will reshape how property is let, managed, and lived in.

A structural shift in how tenancies work

Perhaps the most fundamental change is the end of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies. All agreements will move to periodic (rolling) tenancies, giving renters greater flexibility to leave while offering longer-term security in their homes.

In a market like Stockport - where areas such as Heaton Moor, Edgeley and the town centre have become increasingly popular - this could stabilise tenant turnover and create longer-lasting communities. However, landlords accustomed to fixed-term certainty may need to rethink how they manage void periods and occupancy planning.

The end of 'no-fault' evictions

The headline reform is the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions. Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason, instead relying on strengthened Section 8 grounds such as rent arrears or a genuine intention to sell.

This is likely to be particularly impactful in commuter towns like Stockport, where strong rental demand has historically allowed landlords to regain possession easily and re-let at higher rents. While tenants gain security, landlords must now be more diligent with documentation and compliance if they wish to regain possession.

Recent reports suggest some landlords across England have already begun issuing eviction notices ahead of the changes, highlighting the scale of the shift underway.

Rent controls and affordability measures

The Act introduces clearer and more restrictive rules around rent increases. Landlords will only be able to raise rent once per year, with a minimum of two months' notice, and tenants will have the right to challenge increases they believe exceed market levels.

In Stockport - where rental growth has followed Manchester's upward trajectory - this could temper rapid price increases. At the same time, a ban on rental bidding wars and limits on upfront rent payments (capped at one month) aim to level the playing field for tenants competing for homes.

A more tenant-friendly landscape

The legislation also introduces a suite of tenant-focused protections, including:

• The right to request a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse
• Stronger anti-discrimination rules (e.g. against tenants on benefits or with children)
• The introduction of a Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector

For a diverse and growing town like Stockport, these changes could open up access to housing for a broader range of residents, particularly families who have historically faced barriers in the private rental market.

What it means for landlords in Stockport

For landlords, the reforms represent both risk and opportunity. Compliance will become more complex, with tighter rules on evictions, rent increases, and property standards. Many will need to professionalise their approach—keeping detailed records, maintaining higher-quality homes, and adapting to longer-term tenancies.

There are also concerns across the sector that increased regulation could lead some landlords to exit the market, potentially reducing supply and placing upward pressure on rents over time.

In a high-demand area like Stockport, this could further intensify competition for well-managed rental properties.

A market in transition

The Renters' Rights Act is not just a policy update - it is a cultural shift in how renting is perceived in England. For Stockport, a town balancing affordability with proximity to Manchester, the reforms could bring greater stability for tenants while forcing landlords to adopt a more structured, professional approach.

As the May 2026 implementation date approaches, both sides of the market will need to prepare. For tenants, it signals greater security and fairness. For landlords, it marks the beginning of a more regulated - but potentially more sustainable - rental landscape.

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