The Bournemouth Landlord’s Survival Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act

With the Renters’ Rights Act set to shake up the Bournemouth rental market this May, we know local landlords are feeling the pressure. To help you cut through the 'peak panic,' we’ve distilled the latest expert guidance from Suzanne Smith, author of The Good Landlord Handbook, into this essential summary. As local agents, we’ve broken down Suzanne’s top six most-asked questions to ensure your Bournemouth portfolio remains compliant and your transition to the new rules is as smooth as possible.

Here is what you need to know to stay compliant:

1. Tenancy Agreements: No Need to Re-sign

The biggest myth is that you need new contracts on 1st May. You don’t. Your existing ASTs automatically convert to assured periodic tenancies. Fixed-term clauses, rent review clauses, and pet bans become void by law. Do not issue new agreements now; it resets the clock on notice periods and complicates things.

2. The Information Sheet: Your Priority

You must serve the official government Information Sheet to all tenants by 31st May.

• The Rule: Download the exact PDF from GOV.UK. Do not rebrand or edit it.
• The Method: Email it, post it, or hand-deliver it. Keep proof of service (like a certificate of posting).
• Agent Managed? If we manage your property, we are legally required to send this for you, but the ultimate responsibility remains with you.

3. Increasing Rent: Section 13 Only

Forget rent review clauses. From 1st May, the only way to raise rent is via a Section 13 notice (using the new Form 4A).

• If a tenant challenges the increase via a Tribunal, the new rent won't start until the judge decides—and it won't be backdated.
• You can still negotiate a lower amount with the tenant via an addendum after serving the notice to avoid the Tribunal process.

4. Student HMOs: Ground 4A

To keep the Bournemouth academic cycle moving, you’ll use Ground 4A for possession.

• This only applies to HMOs (3+ tenants) where everyone is a full-time student.
• For current students, you must serve a written statement by 31st May notifying them you intend to use Ground 4A. For future tenancies, include this notice in the contract.

5. The End of Section 21

The "no-fault" eviction is disappearing. The absolute deadline to serve a Section 21 notice is 30th April before 4:30 PM. For the notice to remain valid, you must start court proceedings by 31st July. After April, you must use the new possession grounds under the Act.

6. Rent in Advance

You can still accept rent in advance, but it is now capped at one month’s rent. If you’ve traditionally taken six months upfront from international students or those without guarantors, you’ll need to adjust your screening processes immediately.

The Bottom Line: Don't panic, but don't ignore the dates. The "mutant layer cake" of legislation is getting a new topping, and we are here to help you digest it.

Would you like me to check if your current student HMO setups meet the specific criteria for the new Ground 4A possession?

Don’t risk a non-compliant notice. Contact us today to book a Renters’ Rights Compliance Review. We’ll audit your current tenancies and ensure your Information Sheets and Section 13 notices are handled perfectly before the May deadline.