The Renters’ Rights Act brought some of the biggest changes to private renting in England for many years, coming into effect on 1 May 2026. For landlords and tenants in Reading, however, the practical impact has not been as disruptive as some may have expected.
The Act introduced important changes, including the move from assured shorthold tenancies to rolling assured periodic tenancies, the end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and new rules around rent increases, rental bidding, pets and providing information to tenants.
Making the changes easier for landlords
At Haslams, understanding the rules and regulations and applying them correctly is part of managing rental properties every day. Our lettings and property management teams keep up to date with changes in legislation and make sure the appropriate processes are followed, helping landlords avoid unnecessary problems further down the line.
That means less time spent dealing with paperwork and legislation, fewer worries about whether the correct procedure has been followed, and greater confidence that the property is being managed properly.
The benefit extends to tenants too. A professional property manager provides a clear point of contact for maintenance, tenancy queries and day-to-day issues, while helping ensure that landlords and tenants understand their respective responsibilities.
What are Reading tenants looking for?
Reading continues to appeal to a diverse range of tenants, from young professionals and couples to young families, international students and overseas employees and contractors relocating to the area.
Town centre apartments are particularly popular with professionals and international workers who value convenient access to Reading’s employment centres, restaurants and transport links. Family homes in and around Reading remain attractive to those looking for more space, good local amenities and access to schools and transport.
At Haslams, we saw strong rental activity between April and June 2026, with 1,475 applicants registering, nearly 5,000 enquiries, 1,322 viewings and 189 lets agreed.
Save time, money and hassle
For landlords, the real challenge is not simply finding a tenant – it is managing everything that follows. Rent collection, maintenance, inspections, compliance, renewals and communication can all take time, particularly when legislation is changing.
A fully managed property management service can take that responsibility away from you, leaving you to benefit from your investment without having to manage the day-to-day detail.
Whether you own a single rental property, a portfolio or an HMO, Haslams can provide professional advice and management tailored to your property.
To find out how much your property could rent for, or to discuss our fully managed service, contact Haslams on 0118 960 1055 or email lettings@haslams.net for a free, no-obligation rental valuation.