# News & Updates **URL:** https://community.openrent.co.uk/c/news-updates/12.md [Latest](https://community.openrent.co.uk/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.openrent.co.uk/categories.md) --- ## [News & Updates Rules](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/news-updates-rules/55)
**Author:** [@Daz](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Daz)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [9 April 2018 16:16 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/news-updates-rules/55 "2018-04-09T16:16:23Z")
Keeping you up to date with the latest landlord news. Have your say on the day’s biggest stories. --- ## [Awaab's Law Explained: A Guide for Private Landlords](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/awaabs-law-explained-a-guide-for-private-landlords/91791)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [21 October 2026 09:48 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/awaabs-law-explained-a-guide-for-private-landlords/91791 "2026-10-21T09:48:13Z")
Originally published at: Awaab's Law Explained: A Guide for Private Landlords | OpenRent Landlord Hub Under the Renters’ Rights Act, the government plans to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, introducin… --- ## [All You Need to Know About the ‘Register Your Rental Property’ Service and Landlord Ombudsman](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-register-your-rental-property-service-and-landlord-ombudsman/91593)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [24 September 2026 09:13 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-register-your-rental-property-service-and-landlord-ombudsman/91593 "2026-09-24T09:13:23Z")
Originally published at: Register Your Rental Property and Ombudsman Guide for Landlords The Renters’ Rights Act has already changed how landlords let property, but there’s more to come. The next change is the ‘Regis… --- ## [Changes to Welsh Occupation Contracts From 1st June 2026](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/changes-to-welsh-occupation-contracts-from-1st-june-2026/89921)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [7 June 2026 23:00 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/changes-to-welsh-occupation-contracts-from-1st-june-2026/89921 "2026-06-07T23:00:00Z")
Originally published at: Changes to Welsh Occupation Contracts From 1st June 2026 As part of recent changes to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, new fundamental terms are being added to many occupation contracts fr… --- ## [Free Assured Periodic Tenancy Agreement (APT Rental Contract)](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/free-assured-periodic-tenancy-agreement-apt-rental-contract/89473)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [3 June 2026 14:23 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/free-assured-periodic-tenancy-agreement-apt-rental-contract/89473 "2026-06-03T14:23:40Z")
Originally published at: Free Assured Periodic Tenancy Agreement (APT Rental Contract) The Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) has served as the cornerstone of the private rented sector since the Housing Act 1988. That e… --- ## [How OpenRent is Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Act](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-openrent-is-preparing-for-the-renters-rights-act/89007)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [22 April 2026 16:26 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-openrent-is-preparing-for-the-renters-rights-act/89007 "2026-04-22T16:26:00Z")
Originally published at: How OpenRent is Preparing for the Renters' Rights Act The Renters’ Rights Act is set to change the private rented sector in England on 1st May 2026. While the transition to a fully periodic s… --- ## [Section 8 Notice Guide 2026: New Grounds and How to Serve](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/section-8-notice-guide-2026-new-grounds-and-how-to-serve/88527)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [5 February 2026 15:18 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/section-8-notice-guide-2026-new-grounds-and-how-to-serve/88527 "2026-02-05T15:18:01Z")
Originally published at: Section 8 Notice Guide 2026: New Grounds and How to Serve Section 8 is the only legal route for landlords in England to regain possession of a privately rented home. Section 21 evictions hav… --- ## [How Long Does an EICR Last? 2026 Cost and Rules](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-long-does-an-eicr-last-2026-cost-and-rules/88521)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [5 February 2026 11:39 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-long-does-an-eicr-last-2026-cost-and-rules/88521 "2026-02-05T11:39:25Z")
Originally published at: How Long Does an EICR Last? 2026 Cost and Rules | OpenRent Landlord Hub 2026 marks a major five-year milestone since mandatory electrical safety regulations were introduced across all private… --- ## [What Are the New EPC Rules for Landlords? Coming in 2030](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/what-are-the-new-epc-rules-for-landlords-coming-in-2030/88375)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [29 January 2026 18:40 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/what-are-the-new-epc-rules-for-landlords-coming-in-2030/88375 "2026-01-29T18:40:27Z")
Originally published at: What Are the New EPC Rules for Landlords? All private tenancies in England and Wales must achieve an EPC C rating by 1st October 2030, following the government’s 2026 Warm Homes Plan roadmap.… --- ## [How to Rent Directly From a Landlord and Get It Right](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-rent-directly-from-a-landlord-and-get-it-right/88361)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [20 January 2026 16:03 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-rent-directly-from-a-landlord-and-get-it-right/88361 "2026-01-20T16:03:44Z")
Originally published at: How to Rent Direct From a Landlord and Get It Right You find a place that looks right, check the photos, and map your commute. You send off the enquiry and then… nothing. You wait for a call … --- ## [December's Top 7 Most Viewed Properties](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/decembers-top-7-most-viewed-properties/88334)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [16 January 2026 14:46 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/decembers-top-7-most-viewed-properties/88334 "2026-01-16T14:46:40Z")
Originally published at: December's Top 7 Most Viewed Properties This month’s most viewed properties range from a peaceful countryside lodge to a quirky mobile home in the heart of London. Other favourites include br… --- ## [How to Conduct a Property Viewing Online](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-conduct-a-property-viewing-online/87995)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [17 December 2025 11:14 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-conduct-a-property-viewing-online/87995 "2025-12-17T11:14:55Z")
Originally published at: How to Conduct a Property Viewing Online Online viewings have become increasingly common, especially for tenants moving from abroad or relocating from another part of the UK. They’re also use… --- ## [5 Mistakes Tenants Make in Their Property Enquiries (and How to Fix Them)](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/5-mistakes-tenants-make-in-their-property-enquiries-and-how-to-fix-them/87891)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [3 December 2025 19:28 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/5-mistakes-tenants-make-in-their-property-enquiries-and-how-to-fix-them/87891 "2025-12-03T19:28:08Z")
Originally published at: 5 Mistakes Tenants Make in Their Property Enquiries Looking for a new place to rent can be stressful, especially when you know landlords get loads of messages for every property. That first … --- ## [Joint Tenancy Guide: Understanding Joint and Several Liability](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/joint-tenancy-guide-understanding-joint-and-several-liability/87310)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [2 December 2025 16:29 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/joint-tenancy-guide-understanding-joint-and-several-liability/87310 "2025-12-02T16:29:03Z")
Originally published at: Joint Tenancy Guide: Understanding Joint and Several Liability Joint and several liability is a fundamental legal concept that every landlord must master, particularly in the post-Renters’ Ri… --- ## [What Tenants Need to Know About the Renters' Rights Act](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/what-tenants-need-to-know-about-the-renters-rights-act/87890)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [2 December 2025 13:29 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/what-tenants-need-to-know-about-the-renters-rights-act/87890 "2025-12-02T13:29:47Z")
Originally published at: What Tenants Need to Know About the Renters' Rights Act The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a wide range of changes to renting in England, building on the framework first set out by the Housin… --- ## [Guide to the Renters' Rights Act for Landlords 2026](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act-for-landlords-2026/87575)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [4 November 2025 17:04 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act-for-landlords-2026/87575 "2025-11-04T17:04:24Z")
Originally published at: Guide to the Renters' Rights Act for Landlords 2026 From 1st May 2026, the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act is now in force. It introduces a number of important changes to how tenancies… --- ## [Rent in Advance Rules Under the Renters' Rights Act Explained](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/rent-in-advance-rules-under-the-renters-rights-act-explained/87574)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [4 November 2025 15:35 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/rent-in-advance-rules-under-the-renters-rights-act-explained/87574 "2025-11-04T15:35:40Z")
Originally published at: Rent in Advance Rules Under the Renters' Rights Act Explained Rules around rent in advance have changed under the Renters’ Rights Act. You can no longer take rent before both you and your ten… --- ## [8 Million Users Trust OpenRent to Find and Let Homes 🎉](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/8-million-users-trust-openrent-to-find-and-let-homes/87486)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [30 October 2025 12:22 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/8-million-users-trust-openrent-to-find-and-let-homes/87486 "2025-10-30T12:22:23Z")
Originally published at: 8 Million Users Trust OpenRent To Find And Let Their Homes 🎉 We’re thrilled to share a major milestone with you: OpenRent has now helped over 8 million users find, let, and manage properties … --- ## [Create and Manage "Live-in Landlord" Room Listings with OpenRent](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/create-and-manage-live-in-landlord-room-listings-with-openrent/86975)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [15 September 2025 10:58 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/create-and-manage-live-in-landlord-room-listings-with-openrent/86975 "2025-09-15T10:58:48Z")
Originally published at: Create and Manage Live-in Landlord Room Listings with OpenRent Managing a live-in rental arrangement just got simpler and more secure for everyone. Landlords on OpenRent can now easily mark t… --- ## [How Landlords Can Manage Summer Turnover With Fewer Disputes](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-landlords-can-manage-summer-turnover-with-fewer-disputes/86788)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [26 August 2025 11:14 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-landlords-can-manage-summer-turnover-with-fewer-disputes/86788 "2025-08-26T11:14:37Z")
Originally published at: How Landlords Can Manage Summer Turnover With Fewer Disputes Summer brings with it the annual merry-go-round of tenants on the move. It’s common for students to leave after their course ends … --- ## [What the New Decent Homes Standard Means for the Private Rented Sector](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/what-the-new-decent-homes-standard-means-for-the-private-rented-sector/85773)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [6 August 2025 08:46 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/what-the-new-decent-homes-standard-means-for-the-private-rented-sector/85773 "2025-08-06T08:46:56Z")
Originally published at: The New Decent Homes Standard for the Private Rented Sector For over 20 years, the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) has been the benchmark for quality in social housing. Now, through the Renters’… --- ## [How to Be a Live-In Landlord: Rules, Rights and Managing Lodgers](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-be-a-live-in-landlord-rules-rights-and-managing-lodgers/85470)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [24 July 2025 08:26 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-be-a-live-in-landlord-rules-rights-and-managing-lodgers/85470 "2025-07-24T08:26:37Z")
Originally published at: How to Be a Live-In Landlord: Rules, Rights and Managing Lodgers Many people don’t realise they can be landlords without letting out an entire property. If you rent out a room in your own ho… --- ## [What is Rent Arrears? Tips to Protect Your Rental Income as a Landlord](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/what-is-rent-arrears-tips-to-protect-your-rental-income-as-a-landlord/85394)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [23 July 2025 14:29 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/what-is-rent-arrears-tips-to-protect-your-rental-income-as-a-landlord/85394 "2025-07-23T14:29:39Z")
Originally published at: What is Rent Arrears? Tips to Protect Your Rental Income No landlord wants to deal with rent arrears, but the reality is they can happen even with the most reliable tenants. Whether it’s due … --- ## [All You Need to Know About Right to Rent Checks](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/all-you-need-to-know-about-right-to-rent-checks/84877)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [11 July 2025 15:38 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/all-you-need-to-know-about-right-to-rent-checks/84877 "2025-07-11T15:38:21Z")
Originally published at: All You Need to Know About Right to Rent Checks One of your legal responsibilities before entering into a tenancy is to carry out Right to Rent checks on your tenants. This only applies to la… --- ## [What is an HMO? How Do I Convert My Property?](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/what-is-an-hmo-how-do-i-convert-my-property/83887)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [20 June 2025 15:47 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/what-is-an-hmo-how-do-i-convert-my-property/83887 "2025-06-20T15:47:18Z")
Originally published at: What is an HMO? How Do I Convert My Property? Thinking about converting a property into an HMO? It can be a great way to increase your rental income, but there are some important things to be… --- ## [Government Consultation on the Administration of Council Tax in England: Have Your Say](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/government-consultation-on-the-administration-of-council-tax-in-england-have-your-say/83883)
**Author:** [@mod\_harry](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/mod_harry)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [20 June 2025 14:25 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/government-consultation-on-the-administration-of-council-tax-in-england-have-your-say/83883 "2025-06-20T14:25:23Z")
The Government have launched an open consultation for modernising and improving the administration of Council Tax. You can find out more and get involved in the discussion here. This is not looking at bigger picture asp… --- ## [RRB (continued)](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/rrb-continued/82611)
**Author:** [@Chris35](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/Chris35)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [30 May 2025 08:17 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/rrb-continued/82611 "2025-05-30T08:17:17Z")
Continuing the discussion from What Does the Renters' Rights Bill Mean for Landlords?: I don’t see how any of the proposed new legislation “balances the playing field”, it simply means it is going to be harder to remov… --- ## [How to Calculate Rental Yield on Your Buy-to-Let Property](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-calculate-rental-yield-on-your-buy-to-let-property/82644)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [22 May 2025 13:56 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-calculate-rental-yield-on-your-buy-to-let-property/82644 "2025-05-22T13:56:59Z")
Originally published at: How to Calculate Rental Yield on Your Buy to Let Property Rental yield is an easy way to work out how much money you’re making from a rental property compared to its value. It’s expressed as … --- ## [Understanding Leasehold Reforms in 2025](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/understanding-leasehold-reforms-in-2025/80824)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [11 April 2025 09:50 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/understanding-leasehold-reforms-in-2025/80824 "2025-04-11T09:50:57Z")
Originally published at: Understanding Leasehold Reforms in 2025 Leasehold law in England and Wales is undergoing some of the biggest reforms in decades – and if you’re a landlord, property owner or considering buyin… --- ## [How to Evict a Tenant for Rent Arrears](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-evict-a-tenant-for-rent-arrears/81709)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.openrent.co.uk/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [1 May 2025 13:49 UTC](https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/how-to-evict-a-tenant-for-rent-arrears/81709 "2025-05-01T13:49:16Z")
Originally published at: How to Evict a Tenant for Rent Arrears If a tenant has fallen into rent arrears – meaning they’ve missed multiple rent payments – there are currently two legal routes a landlord can take to b… [Next page](https://community.openrent.co.uk/c/news-updates/12.md?page=1)