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From 1 May 2026 the Renters Rights Act 2025 changes the way landlords in England rent their properties.

From 1 May 2026 the Renters Rights Act 2025 changes the way landlords in England rent their properties. This impacts your client’s obligations as a landlord and (where relevant) the Special Conditions in their Buy to Let mortgage Offer.

Wednesday 29 April 2026 12:10 Press release

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It is important that you make your client aware that these updated Special Conditions form part of their mortgage contract with us.

Background: The law is changing

These legislative changes affect how your client can let the property and the documentation/standards they must maintain as a landlord. Our updated Offer Special Conditions reflect these requirements.

You can read more about the changes here: Renters Rights Act: private tenants - Shelter England and The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 - GOV.UK.

 

1 May 2026: Phase 1 provisions (summary)

To help you, the Phase 1 provisions effective from 1 May 2026 include:

  • New tenancy structure: The Act introduces new periodic tenancies, known as Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs), which will replace the existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs). This applies to both new and existing tenancies.
  • Abolition of Section 21 notices: Landlords will no longer be able to use Section 21 ‘eviction’ notices. Instead, they must evidence a statutory ground to gain possession of the property.
  • Enhanced Section 8 provisions: The Section 8 grounds (which set out circumstances where a landlord may regain possession) will be strengthened.
  • Extended notice periods: The notice period for evictions will increase to four months, providing tenants with more time to secure alternative accommodation.

What’s the impact on the mortgage case?

We need to be confident that the property will be let in a way that protects both the borrower and the Society. From 1 May 2026, updated letting-related Special Conditions will apply to relevant Buy to Let (BTL) Mortgage Offers.

Your client must make sure they meet these conditions. Please ensure your client reads and understands the updated Special Conditions. 

If your client has a Buy to Let mortgage with Saffron Building Society, they will receive a letter with the updated conditions. 

If you have a query on how the updated Special Conditions apply to a specific case, contact us using the details below.

To find all the ways to contact us, click here