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Renters’ Rights Act prompts backlash from Dorset landlords
9:45 AM, 26th May 2026, 3 weeks ago
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Several landlords in Dorset have hit out at the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force, describing it as a “sledgehammer to crack a nut”.
Speaking to the Bournemouth Daily Echo, landlords raised concerns about the legislation, particularly the abolition of Section 21, saying it will make it harder to remove troublesome tenants.
The news come as the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026.
More bad tenants than bad landlords
Landlord Wendy Trimnell told the Bournemouth Daily Echo that she sold her properties before the act became law.
She said to the paper: “There are far more bad tenants than there are bad landlords.
“Everything is going on the side of the tenants, and the new law is the main reason for us selling.
“I have always considered myself a good landlord and made sure our properties are in good condition.
“However, we’ve had some tenants who abuse this and do not bother with the upkeep of the property. Getting rid of Section 21 puts us at a disadvantage in terms of trying to move out troublesome tenants.”
Sledgehammer to crack a nut
Another landlord warned that the abolition of Section 21, along with fixed-term tenancies, has done more harm than good for both tenants and landlords.
Dave Watson told the Bournemouth Daily Echo: “Before, you would have shorter tenancies, where a set time and price would be agreed and there would be ways to end the contract on both sides.
“In business, you enter into a contractual agreement, where both sides have a get-out, but now, you can’t do that, it’s doesn’t seem reasonable.
“If you’ve got a tenant who’s high-maintenance and complaining about everything, you don’t want to keep that person, although I’ve never had that experience myself.
“I emphasise with renters, I would know, I was one until I was 30, but I think this act is like taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut.”
Stability for renters
However, the local MP for the area Tom Hayes argued the act will bring stability for renters.
He told the paper: “This will give people greater stability, stronger protections, and a fairer deal against rogue landlords.
“Ending no-fault evictions means families will no longer live under the constant threat of being forced out of their homes without reason.
“That security matters for people trying to build their lives, raise children, and stay connected to their communities.”
Tags:
eviction rules, fixed-term tenancies, Private Rented Sector, Rental market, Renters’ Rights Act, section 21
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Member Since May 2017 - Comments: 22
10:33 AM, 26th May 2026, About 3 weeks ago
There was always a reason for issuing a section 21 notice!
Member Since May 2017 - Comments: 803
10:54 AM, 26th May 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Paul at 26/05/2026 – 10:33
And no one even bothered to look into the reasons why section 21 was issued.
Member Since October 2017 - Comments: 109
11:23 AM, 26th May 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Not secure for those tenants 8+ months into a 3 year AST, can get 4 months notice now.
Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 790
11:57 AM, 26th May 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Oh well there you go I am done too. Will be selling as soon as the tenants start behaving bad, I won’t be evicting them due to bad behaviour because it would be hard to prove so sell up and go.
Member Since May 2017 - Comments: 803
12:48 PM, 26th May 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Mike at 26/05/2026 – 11:57
My thoughts exactly. With my remaining properties (I’ve already sold some), the second any tenant misbehaves its bye bye. I’ve told my letting agent so it will filter through
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 453
2:25 PM, 26th May 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Tom Hayes, Labour politician, so what do you expect him to say. and he only needs the votes. Well landlords are “people” and it won’t give them greater protection or stability from rogue tenants. Well done those landlords speaking out.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 2024 - Articles: 21
2:41 PM, 26th May 2026, About 3 weeks ago
“Ending no-fault evictions means families will no longer live under the constant threat of being forced out of their homes without reason.
“That security matters for people trying to build their lives, raise children, and stay connected to their communities.”
Being unable to find a home or finding that the market rent has increased above your budget will not provide security. The introduction of s21 opened up the private rental market. Its abolition is a leap in the dark.
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1622
5:33 PM, 26th May 2026, About 3 weeks ago
The RRA ensures bad tenants can stay in their homes longer.
This means that potential better tenants spend more time in temporary accommodation.
But at least the hotels are empty. More space for displaced tenants to spend the next decade of their lives.
One problem. We just can’t mention tge M word.