Summary: The government has issued updated guidance on eviction procedures under the Renters’ Rights Act, emphasising strict compliance to avoid claim dismissal. Additionally, landlords must prepare for new recycling regulations coming into force in March 2026, while recent enforcement actions highlight the consequences of neglecting property standards. Some positive news includes a reduction in selective licensing fees following landlord lobbying.

Government Issues New Guidance on Evictions

The government has published fresh guidance for landlords regarding the correct legal process for evicting tenants under the Renters’ Rights Act. From now on, landlords must use the Possession Claim Online Service (PCOL) when seeking possession due to unpaid rent. For all other eviction grounds, a Section 8 notice remains the appropriate route.

It is essential that landlords provide the correct notice period for each eviction ground. The guidance also outlines procedures for courts and tenants, aiming to ensure clarity and fairness throughout the eviction process.

Landlords should be aware that failure to follow these new procedures precisely will result in claims being dismissed. Courts may also order landlords to cover tenants’ legal costs if the process is not correctly adhered to. This places a significant burden of proof on landlords to have all paperwork and evidence meticulously prepared.

Given the complexity and strict requirements, it is advisable for landlords to seek assistance from specialist solicitors, particularly when possession of the property is a priority.

For full details, landlords can consult the government’s official guidance here.

Preparing for New Recycling Regulations

From March 2026, the government’s new Simpler Recycling reforms will come into effect, requiring local authorities to provide consistent core waste recycling services. These will include collections for general waste, food waste, paper and cardboard, and other dry recyclables.

Landlords, particularly those managing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), should begin preparing now. The strict licensing requirements for HMOs mean landlords must supply adequate bins in appropriate storage areas and ensure tenants understand what materials go into each bin.

These changes may compel some landlords to engage private waste collection services, especially if council collections do not meet the increased volume or frequency needed for multi-occupancy properties.

Recommended steps for landlords include:

• Collaborating with agents and tenants to plan for the new regulations
• Reviewing current waste storage capacity and anticipating increases
• Confirming collection frequency will be sufficient to prevent waste build-up
• Ensuring the provision of appropriate recycling bins for all required waste streams

Rogue Landlord Fined for Dangerous Property Conditions

A landlord in Sefton has been fined £14,000 after renting out four flats with serious health and safety hazards, including damp and mould, lack of heating, absence of smoke detectors, and even missing front doors.

Despite receiving a schedule of works and an improvement notice from Sefton Council, the landlord failed to carry out any remedial work. This led the council to issue a prohibition order, which was also ignored.

The court imposed the substantial fine plus legal costs for breaching both the improvement and prohibition notices. The council has stated it will continue to take enforcement action where landlords fail to make necessary improvements.

Selective Licensing Fee Reduced Following Landlord Lobbying

In more positive news, Great Yarmouth Council has responded to landlord concerns raised by the Eastern Landlords Association regarding its selective licensing scheme. The council has agreed to reduce the license fee from £784 to £694 and extend inspection intervals from every two years to every four years.

Additionally, the council will consider allowing incremental payments for landlords with portfolios exceeding ten properties, recognising the financial pressures on larger landlords.

The scheme covers approximately 5,000 homes and is expected to generate £3.45 million in revenue for the borough.

Further information is available here. Meanwhile, Propertymark has advised landlords to stay informed about their local licensing schemes and comply with all relevant regulations. Their guidance can be found here.

Additional News Highlights

• UN experts raise concerns over homes rented out by English social landlord
• Fraudsters sentenced after illegally sub-letting property
• Should tenants use rent payments to improve credit scores?
• Leading expert warns weak illegal eviction laws enable criminality

For ongoing updates, landlords can also visit our Quick News Updates page on Landlord Law.

Landlord Law Newsround will return next week with more essential updates for landlords and agents.