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2026 has brought a fair amount of change to rental law in England, largely driven by the phased introduction of the Renters' Rights Act. Here's a rundown of what's changing and what it means for landlords:

Section 21 "no-fault" evictions are being phased out. Landlords now need a valid legal ground to regain possession, and Section 8 has been expanded to cover things like persistent rent arrears or a genuine intention to sell.

Fixed-term tenancies are giving way to periodic tenancies, which gives the tenants the flexibility to leave with notice and not be tied to a set term. It's worth reviewing existing agreements and keeping proper records of rent payments and any communication with tenants.

Property standards are tightening. Damp and mould issues now have to be dealt with within set timeframes, EPC ratings are heading toward a minimum C rating, and gas and electrical safety checks remain strictly enforced. Regular inspections and keeping a record of repairs is a sensible precaution.

There's no cap on rent nationally, but rules around how often rent can rise, and the notice required, are now clearer. In some areas, landlords are also barred from accepting rent offers above the advertised price.

Rent can no longer be requested months in advance, only the first month along with the deposit.

All landlords are now required to belong to an approved ombudsman or redress scheme, giving tenants somewhere to raise complaints without going to court.

The government is pushing toward a more digital, standardised system, including a landlord register, so it's worth getting compliance certificates and tenancy paperwork in order sooner rather than later.

Tenants have more of a say regarding pets, and landlords need a genuine reason to refuse.

Blanket bans like "No DSS" are facing more scrutiny, and could be considered discriminatory.

Poole is a working harbour town that also happens to have some of the most sought-after postcodes in the South of England. But beneath that calm surface, the rental market here moves fast and could be rewarding for people who actually know the area. But if you are new or do not know the area so well or what goes on in the rental space, an agency like Q Sales and Lettings Could be of help.

There's a real difference between a lettings agent who knows Poole and one who just operates here. Knowing the difference between what a flat in Branksome commands versus something near the Quay, understanding which pockets of Bournemouth attract young professionals and which suit longer-term families is the kind of knowledge which only comes from being embedded in a place, not just turning up to it and setting your business.

Being independent matters too. You're not a ticket in a queue at Q Sales and Lettings. The people you speak to on day one tend to be the same people managing your property six months down the line. That consistency is rarer than it should be in this industry.

There's also the regulatory side of things, which plenty of landlords don't pay enough attention to until something goes wrong. Q Sales and Lettings holds full ARLA Property mark accreditation and operates under the ARLA Client Money Protection scheme. In plain terms, that means your money is protected and the agency is held to the right standards.

Finding the right property in Poole or Bournemouth is tough enough without having to worry about who is handling the paperwork. Whether you are selling the house you raised your kids in or trying to find a decent tenant, the agent you pick basically decides how stressful the next few months are going to be.

So, what should you actually look for?

To start with, you need someone who truly knows the area. A good estate agent Poole doesn’t just stick a listing on Rightmove and sit back. They should know which school catchments are driving prices up, which streets are quietest, and what local buyers are actually looking for right now.

Experience matters too, but more importantly, you need transparency. Look for a team that tells it like it is and has been through a few property market cycles. At Q Sales and Lettings, our Managing Director, Jamie Rolls, has been working in the local property scene for over 25 years. That kind of hands-on background means we can usually spot (and fix) potential issues before they slow things down.

Also, don't forget to check their credentials. If you need letting or property management services, make sure the agency is ARLA Propertymark regulated. It is the easiest way to know your money and property are being handled legally and professionally.

We are a small, independent agency, and we like it that way because it lets us focus on getting things right for our clients.