Popular Articles

Popular OpenRent articles across key landlord topics.

How OpenRent is Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Act
LAW & REGULATION 26 MARCH 2026
How OpenRent is Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Act

The Renters’ Rights Act is set to change the private rented sector in England on 1st May 2026. While the […]
When Will Section 21 Be Scrapped?
LAW & REGULATION 12 MARCH 2026
When Will Section 21 Be Scrapped?

The Renters’ Rights Act will bring the end of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, meaning landlords will no longer be able […]
Rent in Advance Rules Under the Renters’ Rights Act Explained
LAW & REGULATION 10 MARCH 2026
Rent in Advance Rules Under the Renters’ Rights Act Explained

Rules around rent in advance are set to change under the Renters’ Rights Act. It will prevent rent from being […]
Pets in Rental Properties: What Every Landlord Should Know
LAW & REGULATION 26 FEBRUARY 2026
Pets in Rental Properties: What Every Landlord Should Know

Many tenants now move in with pets, whether a dog, cat, or another animal. Over half of UK households have […]
Understanding Leasehold Reforms in 2026
LAW & REGULATION 19 FEBRUARY 2026
Understanding Leasehold Reforms in 2026

Leasehold law in England and Wales is undergoing some of the biggest reforms in decades – and if you’re a […]
What the New Decent Homes Standard Means for the Private Rented Sector
LAW & REGULATION 17 FEBRUARY 2026
What the New Decent Homes Standard Means for the Private Rented Sector

For over 20 years, the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) has been the benchmark for quality in social housing. Now, as […]
How to Increase the Rent by Serving a Section 13 Notice
LAW & REGULATION 16 FEBRUARY 2026
How to Increase the Rent by Serving a Section 13 Notice

Serving a Section 13 notice is one of the ways landlords can increase rent under the Housing Act 1988. However, […]
How to Serve a Section 21 Notice to Tenants
LAW & REGULATION 11 FEBRUARY 2026
How to Serve a Section 21 Notice to Tenants

From 1st May 2026, the government plans to scrap Section 21 under the Renters’ Rights Act. Until then, landlords can […]
What is a Periodic Tenancy? A Guide for Landlords
LAW & REGULATION 27 JANUARY 2026
What is a Periodic Tenancy? A Guide for Landlords

In the world of buy-to-let, the “fixed term” has long been landlords’ security blanket. It’s that six or 12-month period […]
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): The 2026 Guide for Landlords
LAW & REGULATION 22 JANUARY 2026
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): The 2026 Guide for Landlords

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is essentially a health check for your property’s energy efficiency. Since 2008, it has been […]
EICR Explained: Electrical Safety Certificates for Landlords
LAW & REGULATION 22 JANUARY 2026
EICR Explained: Electrical Safety Certificates for Landlords

2026 marks five years since electrical safety rules came into force for private rented properties in England. This means that […]
Section 8 Notice Guide 2026: New Grounds & How to Serve
LAW & REGULATION 15 JANUARY 2026
Section 8 Notice Guide 2026: New Grounds & How to Serve

Section 8 will become your only way to evict tenants in privately rented homes once the Renters’ Rights Act takes […]
Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act for Landlords 2026
LAW & REGULATION 8 JANUARY 2026
Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act for Landlords 2026

The government has confirmed that the commencement date for the first stage of the Renters’ Rights Act will be 1st […]
How Much Can a Landlord Increase Rent in 2026?
LAW & REGULATION 8 JANUARY 2026
How Much Can a Landlord Increase Rent in 2026?

There’s no legal cap on how much a landlord can increase rent on a private tenancy in England. That said, […]
Has the Renters Reform Bill 2024 Been Passed?
LAW & REGULATION 4 NOVEMBER 2025
Has the Renters Reform Bill 2024 Been Passed?

Please note: The Renters Reform Bill is different from the Renters’ Rights Act, which will come into force on 1st […]
All You Need to Know About Gas Safety Checks and Certificates
LAW & REGULATION 16 SEPTEMBER 2025
All You Need to Know About Gas Safety Checks and Certificates

Getting an annual gas safety certificate and servicing your appliances might not be the most glamorous part of being a […]
Freehold, Leasehold and Commonhold Explained
LAW & REGULATION 12 AUGUST 2025
Freehold, Leasehold and Commonhold Explained

Big changes could be coming to the UK’s leasehold, freehold, and commonhold systems from 2025 onwards, which could impact property […]
What is Subletting and is It Illegal in the UK?
LAW & REGULATION 5 AUGUST 2025
What is Subletting and is It Illegal in the UK?

Is subletting illegal in the UK? Find out what subletting involves and the legal implications for tenants and landlords. Subletting […]
Tenant Fees Act 2019: Which Tenancy Fees and Payments Are Banned?
LAW & REGULATION 29 JULY 2025
Tenant Fees Act 2019: Which Tenancy Fees and Payments Are Banned?

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 marked a significant shift in the private rental sector in England, introducing strict regulations on […]
All You Need to Know About Right to Rent Checks
LAW & REGULATION 10 JULY 2025
All You Need to Know About Right to Rent Checks

One of your legal responsibilities before entering into a tenancy is to carry out Right to Rent checks on your […]
How to Evict a Tenant for Rent Arrears
LAW & REGULATION 1 MAY 2025
How to Evict a Tenant for Rent Arrears

If a tenant has fallen into rent arrears – meaning they’ve missed multiple rent payments – there are currently two […]
Life After Section 21: A Fairer System or a Broken Market?
LAW & REGULATION 28 APRIL 2025
Life After Section 21: A Fairer System or a Broken Market?

For years, Section 21 has been a controversial pillar of the private rental sector, giving landlords a means to regain […]
Property Licensing in 2025
LAW & REGULATION 28 FEBRUARY 2025
Property Licensing in 2025

Keeping up with property licensing can feel like a bit of a minefield, but it’s more important than ever for […]
A Guide to Custodial and Insured Deposit Protection Schemes
LAW & REGULATION 28 JANUARY 2025
A Guide to Custodial and Insured Deposit Protection Schemes

Tenancy deposit protection (TDP) schemes were brought in to make sure deposits are handled fairly, giving both landlords and tenants […]
Important Dates for Landlords in 2025
LAW & REGULATION 21 JANUARY 2025
Important Dates for Landlords in 2025

Keeping track of important dates is necessary for landlords aiming to stay informed and compliant throughout 2025. With the Renters’ […]
How to Gain a Possession Order
LAW & REGULATION 29 OCTOBER 2024
How to Gain a Possession Order

If you’ve given your tenant the proper notice to end the tenancy but they haven’t moved out, you can apply […]
Surrendering a Tenancy Agreement by Mutual Consent
LAW & REGULATION 22 OCTOBER 2024
Surrendering a Tenancy Agreement by Mutual Consent

There are two main ways to end a tenancy in England and Wales: either by serving notice or by mutual […]
Are Rent to Rent Schemes a Good Idea for Landlords?
LAW & REGULATION 17 JULY 2024
Are Rent to Rent Schemes a Good Idea for Landlords?

A Rent to Rent scheme also referred to as guaranteed rent or rent to serviced accommodation (R2SA), involves a person […]
What Does the Housing (Scotland) Bill Mean for Landlords?
LAW & REGULATION 28 MARCH 2024
What Does the Housing (Scotland) Bill Mean for Landlords?

Find out how the new housing bill introduced to the Scottish Parliament could impact you and your tenants if it […]
Do You Know Your Housing Legislation?
LAW & REGULATION 28 APRIL 2023
Do You Know Your Housing Legislation?

Section 13 or Section 8? Which piece of housing legislation can you use to serve notice to end a tenancy? […]