The Preston Landlord’s September Checklist: Staying Ahead of the Renters’ Rights Changes

Published: Thursday 3 September 2026

Hello, Preston landlords!

September is the right time to review your rental processes, update your records, and prepare for the next stage of the Renters’ Rights changes.

The first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has already taken effect in England. Assured shorthold tenancies and Section 21 notices are no longer part of the new private rented sector tenancy system.

Further changes are expected from late 2026, including the gradual rollout of the Private Rented Sector database.

Use this September checklist to identify gaps, organise your compliance records, and keep your Preston rental property ready for the next stage.

Important: This guide provides general information for landlords in England. It is not legal advice. Check the latest government guidance or speak to a qualified property professional about your circumstances.

1. Review every tenancy agreement

Start with your paperwork.

From 1 May 2026, private rented tenancies in England moved to the new assured periodic tenancy regime. You should no longer issue an old-style assured shorthold tenancy agreement for a new letting.

Review your templates and remove outdated references to:

• Assured shorthold tenancies.
• Fixed-term tenancy wording that conflicts with the new rules.
• Section 21 possession notices.
• Old rent review procedures.
• Policies that do not reflect the tenant’s new statutory rights.

Check every active tenancy file. Make sure you hold:

• The signed tenancy agreement or written statement of terms.
• Tenant and guarantor details.
• Right to Rent records.
• Deposit protection information.
• Inventory and check-in report.
• Gas safety records.
• Electrical safety documentation.
• Energy Performance Certificate.
• Property licence details, where applicable.
• Copies of relevant tenant correspondence.

Do not rely on memory. Create a simple checklist for each property and mark every document as current, expired, or missing.

2. Confirm that tenants received the required information

Landlords and letting agents were required to provide relevant tenants with the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.

The deadline was 31 May 2026. If you have not already done so, check your records now. Look for an email trail, signed acknowledgement, or other evidence showing when the information was provided.

Also confirm that tenants received a written statement explaining the key terms of their tenancy. This should set out important details such as:

• The rent amount.
• When rent is due.
• The property address.
• Tenant responsibilities.
• Landlord responsibilities.
• How either party should communicate.
• Any agreed conditions applying to the tenancy.

Keep records in one place. A clear audit trail can help you respond quickly if a tenant, agent, or local authority requests information.

3. Update your rent review process

Do not use an informal rent increase letter without checking that it follows the current statutory process.

Review how you:

1. Assess the proposed rent.
2. Compare it with similar homes in Preston and Lancashire.
3. Record the reason for the increase.
4. Serve the correct notice.
5. Respond if the tenant challenges the proposed amount.

The new rules include a statutory process for rent increases and protections against excessive increases. You must also avoid taking more than one month’s rent in advance unless a specific legal exception applies.

Check your advertising process, too. You cannot encourage rental bidding or invite applicants to offer more than the advertised rent.

Set one clear rent for each property. Make sure that figure appears consistently across your website, listing portals, brochures, and application documents.

4. Check your property adverts for discriminatory wording

Review every live listing.

Remove blanket wording such as:

• “No DSS.”
• “No benefits.”
• “No children.”
• “No families.”
• “No pets under any circumstances.”

The Renters’ Rights changes introduce additional protections for renters, including rules around discrimination and access to rented homes. Existing duties under the Equality Act 2010 also continue to apply.

This does not mean every applicant will automatically meet your referencing or affordability requirements. You can still carry out proper checks. Apply the same fair, evidence-based process to every applicant.

Use objective criteria, such as:

• Verified income.
• Suitable references.
• Right to Rent status.
• Previous rental conduct.
• Ability to meet the rent.
• Any guarantor requirements applied consistently.

If you use a letting agent, ask them to confirm that their advertising and applicant selection processes have been reviewed.

5. Create a written pet request procedure

Tenants now have a statutory right to request permission to keep a pet. A landlord cannot simply reject every request without considering the individual circumstances.

Prepare a short written process. Set out:

• How tenants should submit a request.
• Who will assess it.
• What information may be needed.
• How quickly you will respond.
• How you will record the decision.
• What reasonable conditions may apply.

Consider the property and the proposed pet carefully. Look at issues such as the size of the home, outdoor space, building rules, and potential risks.

Do not make assumptions about a tenant or their pet. Consider each request on its own facts and give clear reasons for your decision.

6. Complete a full safety and maintenance audit

September is an ideal month to inspect the condition of your property before the colder months arrive.

Check that the following are current and properly recorded:

• Annual gas safety inspection.
• Five-year electrical installation condition report.
• EPC.
• Smoke alarms on every floor.
• Carbon monoxide alarms where required.
• Fire safety arrangements.
• Heating and hot water systems.
• Roof, gutters, windows, and external doors.
• Plumbing and drainage.
• Damp, mould, and condensation risks.
• Garden paths, fences, and external lighting.

Reid & Co Property Group’s landlord guidance highlights the importance of safe, working electrical, gas, plumbing, heating, and hot water systems.

Do not wait for a tenant to report a problem. Arrange repairs before they become urgent. Keep dated photographs, contractor invoices, inspection reports, and tenant updates in the property file.

A responsive maintenance process protects the property and supports a better landlord-tenant relationship.

7. Prepare your PRS database information

The next major stage of the reforms includes a new Private Rented Sector database. The rollout is expected to begin gradually by area from late 2026, with further details published by the government.

Use September to prepare your information.

Create a portfolio spreadsheet containing:

• Property address.
• Landlord ownership details.
• Managing agent details, if applicable.
• Property licence information.
• EPC rating and expiry date.
• Gas safety certificate date.
• EICR date.
• Deposit protection details.
• Relevant inspection records.
• Any outstanding repairs.
• Contact details for approved contractors.

Do not wait for the database to launch before gathering this information. Preparing now will make the registration process easier when instructions for your area become available.

Review the official Renters’ Rights Act implementation roadmap regularly for confirmed dates and requirements.

8. Improve your complaints and communication records

Clear communication will become even more important as the private rented sector moves towards the planned PRS Landlord Ombudsman framework.

Set up a simple complaints process. Tell tenants:

• Who they should contact.
• How to report a problem.
• When they can expect a response.
• What happens if the issue is not resolved.
• How to escalate a formal complaint.

Record every complaint and your response. Include dates, actions, contractor visits, invoices, and the outcome.

Do not rely on informal text messages alone. Use a central system or property management platform so that important information cannot be lost.

Professional property management in Preston can help landlords maintain consistent records, coordinate repairs, and manage tenant communication.

9. Review your financial plans

The new tenancy rules may affect how you manage income and expenditure.

Review:

• Monthly rent against current Preston market conditions.
• Insurance cover.
• Mortgage costs.
• Repair and maintenance reserves.
• Licensing costs.
• Compliance renewal dates.
• Tax records.
• Letting and management fees.
• Contingency funds for void periods or urgent repairs.

Avoid setting rent based only on a national average. Compare similar homes in the specific Preston neighbourhood or Lancashire town where your property is located.

A realistic rental price can reduce void periods and attract suitable applicants. A local agent can provide an up-to-date rental valuation and advise on presentation, marketing, and tenant demand.

10. Send tenants a September update

Finish your checklist by communicating with your tenants.

Send a short, useful message confirming:

• How to report repairs.
• Who to contact outside normal office hours.
• Your approach to pet requests.
• The correct process for rent queries.
• Any planned inspections or maintenance.
• How formal complaints should be made.

Keep the tone clear and professional. Give tenants the information they need without overwhelming them.

Good communication can prevent small issues from becoming formal disputes.

Your seven-day Preston landlord action plan

Complete these actions over the next week:

1. Day one: List every property and active tenancy.
2. Day two: Check agreements, written terms, and information sheet records.
3. Day three: Review rent procedures and live advertising.
4. Day four: Update your pet and applicant selection policies.
5. Day five: Audit safety certificates, alarms, maintenance, and licences.
6. Day six: Prepare your PRS database information.
7. Day seven: Review complaints procedures and contact your tenants.

If you manage several properties, complete the process one property at a time.

Get local support with your Preston rental property

The Renters’ Rights changes make organised records and reliable processes essential.

Reid & Co Property Group provides lettings, tenant sourcing, rent collection, and full property management for landlords across Preston and the surrounding Lancashire areas. Our team handles marketing, tenant selection, compliance support, maintenance coordination, and day-to-day communication.

Contact Reid & Co Property Group for a practical discussion about your portfolio.

Whether you need help to rent a house in Preston, review an existing tenancy, or understand the options for selling a rental property, local advice can help you make the next step with confidence.

For owners considering a change in strategy, our Preston property sales service can also advise on current demand for property for sale in Preston. Speaking with experienced estate agents in Preston can help you compare letting, management, and sale options before making a decision.