Gravesend Landlords - You Need to Prepare Now
Three of the major changes in the Renters’ Rights Act are longer notice periods, a shift to periodic tenancies and higher arrears thresholds. This means landlords must prepare financially. Rent guarantee insurance, forward planning and savings buffers are now more important than ever.
Gravesend Landlords - You Need to Prepare Now
The Renters’ Rights Act has now passed into law, and while the reforms won’t begin until May 2026, these changes stand out as immediate priorities for landlords:
- The shift to periodic tenancies
- Extended notice periods
- Higher arrears thresholds
These three factors combined mean that strong financial planning is no longer optional—it’s essential. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and how landlords in Gravesend can protect themselves.
1️⃣ All Tenancies Becoming Periodic - Why This Affects Your Cashflow Planning
From 1 May 2026, every tenancy will become periodic from day one, including existing fixed-term agreements.
This means:
- No more fixed terms for security
- Tenants can leave at any time (giving 2 months notice)
- Income predictability decreases
- Void periods may become more frequent
For landlords who rely on fixed terms to plan mortgages, maintenance, or future sales, this shift creates uncertainty. With tenants free to leave at short notice, a financial “buffer” becomes more important than ever.
2️⃣ Extended Notice Periods: Increasing from 2 Months to 4 Months
Once Section 21 is abolished, landlords will need to give 4 months’ notice instead of 2 when regaining possession through the new Section 8 framework.
This change is significant and affects selling the property. If you’re considering selling or moving back in , you'll need to factor in double the time to regain possession. Indeed, any timeline involving vacant possession will need considering well in advance (planning early is crucial).
3️⃣ Arrears Threshold Increasing from 2 Months to 3 Months
Under the new system, landlords will not be able to serve notice for rent arrears until the tenant reaches three full months of unpaid rent. The notice served will also increase from 14 days to 4 weeks!
This creates several risks:
- Longer periods with no rental income
- Difficulty covering mortgages, insurance, or service charges
- Greater strain on landlord finances
- Increased reliance on savings or external support
Importantly, even if a tenant is not paying rent, landlords remain fully responsible for repairs, safety checks, and upkeep. This means that during a long arrears period, landlords must still fund repairs and maintenance-sometimes for months without income.
Why Landlords Must Prepare Financially Now
The combined effect of:
- Periodic tenancies
- Four-month notice periods
- A three-month arrears threshold
…means landlords face increased financial vulnerability.
Where previously you might experience a short gap in rent or a predictable tenancy end date, the future rental landscape requires you to plan for:
- Extended periods with reduced or zero income
- Longer legal timelines
- Repairs during longer periods of arrears
- Difficulty regaining possession quickly
This is why financial planning must happen as soon as possible.
Rent Guarantee Insurance - Now Essential, Not Optional
With longer arrears periods and reduced ability to remove non-paying tenants quickly, rent guarantee insurance becomes one of the most important protections a landlord can have.
It can help cover:
- Monthly rent while tenants are in arrears
- Legal costs during possession claims
- Losses during extended notice periods (for rent arrears tenants)
Given that the court system is not being reformed, a landlord in Gravesend could face up to a year before possession is achieved – so a year without rent! Insurance offers stability in a system that is becoming less predictable.
What Gravesend Landlords Should Do Now
- Review your financial position and emergency funds
- Consider rent guarantee insurance as a priority
- Plan ahead for any future sale or move-back-in scenario
- Assess whether your current rent covers rising costs and risk
- Start budgeting for longer arrears periods and notice processes
- Ensure compliance documentation is always up to date (essential under Section 8)
We’re Here to Support Gravesend Landlords
The Renters' Rights Act represents a major shift, and preparation is key. Our team can help you assess your portfolio, discuss insurance options, and plan for the years ahead.
📍 M&M Estate Agents, Gravesend, DA12 1AH
📞 01474 321957
📧 lettings@mandmprop.co.uk