{"id":21839,"date":"2026-11-10T12:00:28","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T12:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com.sg\/news\/?p=21839"},"modified":"2026-11-10T12:00:53","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T12:00:53","slug":"renters-rights-act-what-singapore-landlords-need-to-know-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com.sg\/news\/property-advice\/renters-rights-act-what-singapore-landlords-need-to-know-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Renters\u2019 Rights Act – What Singapore Landlords Need to Know in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Owning a rental property in London can work well from Singapore. The challenge isn’t always finding a tenant or setting the rent. It is keeping on top of what happens after the tenancy begins.<\/p>\n

The Renters\u2019 Rights Act changed the rules for private landlords in England. Since 1 May 2026, you cannot end a tenancy the way you could before. Even rent increases need to follow a set process. Another change is coming. Landlords will have to register each rental property and London\u2019s turn comes in July 2027.<\/p>\n

Here is what you need to know and what you can do to prepare.<\/p>\n

\"Renters<\/p>\n

What is the Renters\u2019 Rights Act?<\/h2>\n

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent in October 2025. The main tenancy changes took effect on 1 May 2026. They apply to private assured tenancies in England, including London.<\/p>\n

What has changed for landlords?<\/h2>\n

Private assured tenancies now run on a rolling basis. Most existing assured shorthold tenancies converted on 1 May 2026 and new tenancies start as rolling ones, too. Tenants do have the option to leave with two months\u2019 written notice. It can be done even sooner if the landlord agrees.<\/p>\n

Landlords no longer have the option to serve new Section 21 notices. To get the property back, you need a valid ground under Section 8. This includes selling or moving in, with the required notice. These two grounds generally require four months\u2019 notice, which cannot expire within the tenancy\u2019s first 12 months. If your tenant does not leave, you will need a court possession order.<\/p>\n

Rent increases must follow the Section 13 process. You cannot increase the rent during the tenancy\u2019s first year or more than once a year after that, and must give at least two months\u2019 notice. Tenants can challenge an increase if they believe the proposed rent is above the market rate. <\/p>\n

As a landlord, you also cannot outright ban pets. Tenants can ask to keep a pet, and you must consider their request reasonably. You must normally respond in writing within 28 days. This is subject to permitted extensions. If you refuse, you need to explain your reasons to the tenant.<\/p>\n

Other rules that apply:<\/strong><\/p>\n