Section 21 Is Gone: 7 Mistakes Bournemouth Landlords Are Making in 2026 (And How to Fix Them)

The private rented sector changed on 1 May 2026. Section 21 “no-fault” evictions were abolished, most assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies, and landlords now need to follow new rules covering rent increases, rental bidding, pets, payments and discrimination.

For landlords in Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas, the changes arrive while demand remains strong. Current BCP rental figures indicate:

• Average rent: £1,399 per month
• Average 1-bedroom rent: approximately £919 per month
• Average 2-bedroom rent: approximately £1,170 per month
• Average 3-bedroom rent: approximately £1,457 per month
• Annual change: approximately 3% increase

Good rental homes continue to let quickly, but landlord exits are reported to be at a decade high. With fewer available properties and more detailed compliance requirements, organised letting is now essential.

These are seven mistakes Bournemouth landlords should avoid in 2026.

1. Assuming Section 21 Can Still Be Used

Section 21 is no longer available for new possession proceedings. A landlord cannot end a tenancy simply by giving two months’ notice without stating a legally valid reason.

The final date for serving a valid Section 21 notice was 30 April 2026. Any remaining transitional claims had to be started by 31 July 2026. As at September 2026, landlords must use the relevant Section 8 possession grounds and follow the correct notice and court process.

How to fix this

• Check the current tenancy status.
• Identify the correct possession ground.
• Keep clear records of rent payments, communications and property condition.
• Obtain professional guidance before serving notice.
• Do not rely on an old Section 21 template.

Valid possession grounds may include rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, a genuine intention to sell or a requirement for the Landlord to move into the property. The correct evidence will depend on the ground being used.

Using the wrong notice can delay possession and increase costs. A professional property management Bournemouth service can help maintain the required records and manage the process in the correct order.

2. Treating a Periodic Tenancy Like a Fixed-Term Tenancy

Most private rented sector tenancies covered by the Renters’ Rights Act are now assured periodic tenancies. Fixed terms and traditional assured shorthold tenancy arrangements have changed.

A tenancy generally continues until the Tenant chooses to leave or the Landlord follows the legal possession process. The tenancy does not simply end on the date that appeared on an old agreement.

How to fix this

• Review every existing tenancy file.
• Provide the required written tenancy information.
• Explain the new arrangement clearly to the Tenant.
• Update internal reminders and renewal procedures.
• Avoid issuing outdated fixed-term documents.

The Government’s private renting guidance confirms that most existing assured shorthold tenancies automatically became assured periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026.

This does not remove the need for a written agreement or accurate records. It makes organised tenancy administration more important.

3. Increasing Rent Without Following the New Process

Under the new rules, rent increases are limited to once per year and the correct notice procedure must be followed. The Tenant must receive details of the proposed increase, normally with at least two months’ notice.

A rent increase should reflect the local market. It should not be used as an informal replacement for a Section 21 notice.

How to fix this

• Record when the rent was last increased.
• Review comparable local properties.
• Use the prescribed notice process.
• Give the required notice period.
• Keep a copy of the notice and supporting records.
• Avoid sudden or unsupported increases.

A suitable rent depends on location, condition, accommodation type, parking, outdoor space and current demand. A professional landlord valuation Bournemouth service can help establish a realistic asking rent before a property is advertised.

Accurate pricing is particularly important in Bournemouth and Poole. Pricing too low may reduce the Landlord’s return, while pricing too high may extend the void period.

4. Running a Rental Bidding Process

Demand remains higher than supply in many parts of Bournemouth and Poole. This can create competition between prospective Tenants, but rental bidding is now banned.

Landlords and letting agents must publish the asking rent in written advertising. They cannot ask for, encourage or accept an offer above that advertised rent.

How to fix this

• Decide the asking rent before advertising.
• Display the rent clearly in every advert.
• Do not invite sealed bids.
• Do not tell applicants that another applicant has offered more.
• Assess applications using consistent, lawful criteria.
• Keep a record of the advertised rent.

The Government guidance on rental bidding provides further information.

A strong tenant-matching process is a better alternative. NJB Residential maintains records of prospective Tenants and their requirements, then contacts suitable applicants when a matching property becomes available. This supports an orderly letting process without relying on informal bidding.

5. Refusing Pets or Families Automatically

A blanket “no pets” policy is no longer suitable for properties covered by the new rules. Tenants can request permission to keep a pet, and the Landlord must consider the request. A refusal should be based on a valid reason rather than a general policy.

It is also unlawful to make it less likely that a Tenant will rent a property because they have children or receive benefits.

How to fix this

• Consider each pet request individually.
• Provide a clear reason if permission is refused.
• Check building, insurance and property restrictions.
• Apply the same assessment process to all applicants.
• Avoid advertising wording that excludes families or benefit recipients automatically.

The aim is not to remove the Landlord’s ability to protect the property. It is to ensure that decisions are reasonable, evidence-based and applied consistently.

Professional Bournemouth letting agents can help Landlords manage enquiries and assess applicants using an organised process.

6. Ignoring the PRS Database and Ombudsman Changes

Further Renters’ Rights Act requirements are being introduced in stages. The national “Register your rental property” service is due to begin regional rollout from 15 December 2026. Landlords will need to register themselves and their properties when their area is called forward.

The private rented sector Ombudsman and other reforms will follow in later phases.

How to fix this

• Check official implementation dates.
• Keep property and Landlord information up to date.
• Maintain safety certificates and compliance records.
• Check whether your property requires local licensing.
• Prepare for registration before the deadline.
• Use a professional agent if you need help organising documentation.

The Government announcement on landlord registration confirms that registration will be a legal requirement as the service rolls out.

Using a property management service can make this preparation more straightforward. NJB Residential’s trained personnel keep organised records and work in line with changing lettings and property management requirements.

7. Trying to Manage Everything Without Support

The final mistake is assuming that letting a property only involves advertising it and collecting rent.

A Landlord may also need to manage:

• Property marketing
• Tenant matching
• Referencing
• Right to Rent checks
• Tenancy documentation
• Deposit protection
• Inspections
• Repairs and emergency calls
• Rent reviews
• Legal notices
• Check-out procedures
• Deposit disputes
• New registration requirements

This workload can be difficult for a first-time Landlord, particularly when legislation is changing.

How to fix this

Choose the level of support that matches your needs. A tenant-find service may be suitable if you want to manage the tenancy yourself. A fully managed service may be more appropriate if you want ongoing assistance with repairs, inspections, compliance and Tenant communication.

NJB Residential provides:

• Professional property marketing
• Virtual tours and online viewings
• Tenant referencing
• Right to Rent and sanctions checks
• Tenancy documentation
• Deposit protection
• Inventory reports
• Utilities changeover
• Property inspections
• Maintenance and repairs
• Emergency support
• Tenant matching from a maintained database

This is available for landlords in Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas. For owners considering property management, the service can reduce administration and provide a clear point of contact for both Landlord and Tenant.

Letting Your Bournemouth or Poole Property in 2026

The new rules do not prevent Landlords from letting property successfully. They require a more organised process, accurate records and careful attention to the details of each tenancy.

With this in mind, NJB Residential offers a personal and supportive service for Landlords who want to let their property with less stress. Our trained personnel understand the local market, maintain records of available homes and prospective Tenants, and focus on finding the right Tenant for each property.

Whether you require a landlord valuation, residential lettings  support or ongoing property management Dorset services, the next step is straightforward.

Request a valuation or speak to NJB Residential about your letting requirements.

This article provides general information for Landlords and is not legal advice. Requirements can depend on the tenancy, property and circumstances. Check the latest Government guidance or obtain specialist legal advice before taking action.