If you’re a homeowner or shared owner and rent out your property (even temporarily) you’re legally a landlord and must follow private rental rules.

From 1 May 2026, new laws under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into effect. These apply to everyone renting out a property.

It’s important you’re clear on your legal responsibilities and you should familiarise yourself with the changes to legislation.

Please read the Government guidance for full details of the changes.

 

What’s changed from 1 May 2026?

 

  • Section 21 (‘no fault’) evictions will end. You’ll no longer be able to ask a tenant to leave without giving a valid legal reason.
  • Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced. Most tenancies will become rolling even if your subletting agreement says otherwise.
  • You may need to give your tenants an official information sheet called the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.

 

If you need your tenant to leave your property:

After 1 May 2026:

  • You must use the new legal process, such as a Section 8 notice. For example, if you want to move back into your home, or sell your home.

You can use Ground 1 or 1A, but:

  • You must give at least four months’ notice to your tenant
  • the tenant cannot be asked to leave before they’ve lived there 12 months.

 

 

 

Important information for shared owners: Take action before 31 May 2026 if you sublet

 

If you’re subletting your shared ownership home, you must notify your tenant(s) by 31 May 2026

If you plan to sell your home after evicting using the selling ground, there’s normally a 12-month restriction on re-letting. However, shared owners are exempt from this rule but only if you take the right steps.

 

What you need to do to qualify for the exemption:

  1. Notify your tenant (or future tenant)
    You must tell them in writing:
    • You’re a shared owner
    • The usual 12‑month re-letting restriction may not apply.

 

 

If you already have tenants, you must do this by 31 May 2026. You can use this Template notice 2: Template_notice_2.odt

  1. Tell Triathlon Homes
    Before your notice period ends, you must confirm in writing to us that you intend to sell your home. Here’s how to contact us.
  1. Show you’re actually selling your home
    Before re-letting, you must get a RICS valuation, or put your home up for sale (e.g. through an estate agent).

 

What you need to do now

 

  • Notify anyone you’re planning to sublet to about the 12-month ‘no re-let restricted period’ exemption for shared owners.
  • Notify anyone you already sublet to about the exemption by 31 May 2026.

 

FAQs

  1. Do these rules apply to me?
    Yes, if you’re a homeowner or shared owner and renting out your home , you’re legally a landlord and these rules apply.
  1. Can I still evict tenants easily?
    No. From 1 May 2026 Section 21 (‘no fault’) evictions are banned and you must provide a valid legal reason for eviction.
  1. What is a rolling tenancy?
    A tenancy with no fixed end date, it continues month-to-month until ended legally.
  1. How much notice do I need to give a tenant?
    For selling or moving back in you must give at least 4 months’ notice. You cannot ask the tenant to leave any earlier than 12 months from the tenancy’s start date. You can serve the notice of possession earlier, but the date in the notice must be after they have been in the property for 12 months.
    This means even if we’ve previously given you consent to sublet for a period shorter than 12 months, you must not ask your tenant to leave before 12 months.
  1. Does this apply to existing tenancies?
    Yes. The new rules apply even if the tenancy started before 1 May 2026.
  1. Do I still need permission to sublet?
    Yes. Please continue to follow your shared ownership lease and contact us if you’re unsure.
  1. Who should I contact for help?
    Contact Triathlon Homes before taking action, especially if:
          • You’re already subletting
          • You’re planning to sell
          • You’re unsure about your obligations.

 

 

 

 

  1. I’m a Shared Owner. What is the deadline I need to meet?
    31 May 2026. You must notify any existing tenants about the shared owner exemption by this date.
  2. What happens if I don’t notify my tenant?
    You won’t qualify for the exemption from the 12‑month re-letting restriction after selling.