As 2025 draws to a close, Brighton’s rental market is entering one of the biggest shifts in over a decade. The long-awaited Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (previously the Renters’ Reform Bill) has now received royal assent, and the government has confirmed the first major phase of reforms will come into force on 1 May 2026. For landlords, this marks a new era – one that demands professional management, robust compliance processes and proactive property care. At Khalil Properties, our focus throughout 2025 has been preparing landlords for exactly this moment, ensuring their properties stay profitable, compliant and protected.
A stable market – but with new expectations
Brighton remains one of the strongest rental markets in the South East. Demand continues to come from professionals, NHS staff, students, remote workers and relocating families. However, rental trends in 2025 clearly show:
- Tenants are staying longer, choosing well-managed homes with responsive agents.
- Rent increases must now be transparent and correctly served under Section 13 rules.
- Quality expectations have risen sharply, especially around maintenance, safety and energy efficiency.
- Regulated, evidence-based management is becoming essential for landlords to remain compliant.
This shift means landlords must operate with greater professionalism and documentation. And that is precisely where a strong managing agent adds value.
The Renters’ Rights Act: what happens on 1 May 2026?
After years of uncertainty, the government has now confirmed the first phase of tenancy reform will take effect on 1 May 2026. Brighton landlords must be ready for several critical changes:
End of Section 21 (‘no-fault’) evictions – phased in from 1 May 2026
The old model is ending. Landlords will rely instead on strengthened Section 8 grounds, including:
- Selling the property
- Needing to move back in
- Persistent or serious rent arrears
- Anti-social behaviour
Documentation will matter more than ever. Property managers must keep clear inspection records, maintenance logs, communication trails and arrears evidence.
All new tenancies will convert to periodic (rolling) tenancies
Fixed terms will be phased out. This increases the need for:
- Strong check-in processes
- Detailed inventories
- Ongoing communication
- Clear arrears protocols
- Regular inspections and condition reports
Professional management will no longer be optional — it will be essential.
Stronger enforcement of property standards
Local authorities, including Brighton & Hove, are being granted greater powers to enforce:
- Damp and mould standards (‘Awaab’s Law’ influence)
- HHSRS compliance
- Licensing conditions (HMO and selective)
- Gas, electrical, smoke/CO and safety regulations.
- This means landlords must prove their property is kept in good condition — not just assume it.
Professional management will define landlord success in 2026
With reform, higher tenant expectations and increased enforcement, landlords with proactive, compliant management will be in the strongest position. At Khalil Properties, we have invested heavily in systems and processes that ensure landlords stay ahead:
Digital inspection report: Every inspection includes date-stamped photographic evidence, action notes and condition tracking.
Automated maintenance management: Through Brighton Maintenance Services, we deliver fast, well-documented repairs – essential for compliance and tenant satisfaction.
Full compliance cracking: We manage renewals and obligations for:
- EPC
- EICR
- Gas safety
- Smoke/CO alarms
- Licensing
- Damp and mould response standards.
You stay ahead without having to chase a thing.
Tiered management packages for 2026
Our updated packages include:
- Fully Managed
- Fully Managed + Legal & Arrears Protection
- VIP Management (priority call-outs, enhanced compliance monitoring, legal cover)
This ensures every landlord can choose a service that matches their goals while staying fully protected.
Brighton’s advantage – strong demand, strong competition
Brighton continues to outperform many UK rental markets due to:
- A high volume of professionals and remote workers
- Strong student and post-graduate demand
- Limited available housing
- A consistent appetite for well-managed, energy-efficient homes.
However, competition is rising, not in terms of finding tenants, but in offering quality, compliant, professionally managed accommodation. The winners in 2026 will be landlords who:
- Maintain their properties well
- Stay updated with compliance
- Work with a proactive managing agent
- Offer a smooth, consistent tenant experience.
Khalil Properties: Managing your property for the future
As Brighton adapts to the new 2026 tenancy landscape, our mission remains clear:
- Protect landlords’ income and assets
- Ensure all properties are fully compliant
- Improve property condition and tenant satisfaction
- Provide transparent reporting and communication
- Support landlords through the 1 May 2026 reforms and beyond.
Whether you own one rental home or a full portfolio, we’re here to future-proof your investment.
Let’s prepare your property for 2026
www.khalilproperties.co.uk / ahmed@khalilproperties.co.uk / 22 Western Road, Brighton & Hove BN3 1AF / 07984 015 669 / 01273 573 960
