Paul Shamplina: Landlord advice for 2026 rental reforms

Paul Shamplina is one of the UK’s best known property experts, with over 25 years’ experience supporting landlords and letting agents. As Founder of Landlord Action and Chief Commercial Officer of HFIS, he has seen the private rented sector go through significant change.

As we approach 1 May 2026, when the Renters’ Rights Act is expected to come into force, many landlords are asking what these reforms will mean in practice.

In this Q&A, Paul shares practical advice on how landlords can prepare, what challenges lie ahead, and how to adapt to a more regulated rental market.

Who is Paul Shamplina?

Paul Shamplina is a leading figure in the UK private rented sector. He is the Founder of Landlord Action and Chief Commercial Officer of HFIS, the group behind mydeposits.

He has spent over 25 years helping landlords and agents manage difficult tenancies, resolve disputes and stay compliant with evolving legislation. Paul is known for his straightforward, practical advice and regularly works with media and industry bodies to raise standards across the sector.

What is changing for landlords from 1 May 2026?

From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act is expected to introduce some of the most significant changes to the private rented sector in recent years.

Key changes include:

• the move to periodic tenancies by default
• the end of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
• stronger rights for tenants, including requests for pets
• greater transparency and standardisation across tenancy agreements
• increased compliance expectations for landlords

These changes aim to create a fairer and more stable rental market, but they also require landlords to adapt how they manage their properties.

Landlords can explore what these changes mean in more detail using our Renters’ Rights Act readiness checklist.

How should landlords prepare now?

Paul’s advice is to focus on preparation rather than reaction.

Landlords should:

• review existing tenancy agreements
• check property compliance and safety standards
• plan for longer-term tenant relationships
• stay up to date with legal changes

From 2026, tenancies are expected to continue on a rolling basis rather than ending after a fixed term. This means landlords will need to think more carefully about tenant selection and long-term management.

Taking time now to understand your obligations can help avoid issues later.

Will the Renters’ Rights Act make it harder to manage properties?

According to Paul, managing property is becoming more complex, but not impossible.

There is an increasing level of regulation, and landlords who do not keep up may face challenges. However, those who take a professional approach, or work with experienced agents, are likely to be in a stronger position.

Good organisation, clear processes and proper documentation are more important than ever.

What role do tenancy agreements play after 2026?

Even with the move to periodic tenancies, tenancy agreements will remain essential.

A clear agreement helps:

• set expectations for both parties
• reduce misunderstandings
• support dispute resolution

If an issue arises at the end of a tenancy, a well-drafted agreement can be key evidence in a tenancy deposit dispute process.

It is also important that agreements reflect current legislation, including deposit protection rules and limits on fees. You can read more about tenancy deposit protection rules.

What should landlords do if tenants struggle financially?

Economic pressures remain a key challenge.

Paul’s advice is to engage early if a tenant is struggling:

• communicate openly
• agree realistic repayment plans
• keep everything in writing

A good tenant relationship can often prevent issues from escalating. However, if problems cannot be resolved, landlords may need to follow the correct legal process.

Are rent controls or further changes likely?

There has been discussion around rent controls in parts of the UK, and this may continue depending on economic conditions.

While no firm decisions have been made for England, landlords should be aware that the regulatory landscape may continue to evolve.

Staying informed and adaptable will be key.

Key takeaway: A more professional rental market

Paul’s overall message is that the sector is moving towards a more professional, regulated environment.

Landlords who:

• plan ahead
• stay compliant
• maintain strong tenant relationships

are more likely to succeed in the long term.

With high demand for rental properties still present, there are opportunities for those who are prepared.

Further support for landlords

There are a number of trusted resources available to help landlords navigate these changes:

• The National Residential Landlords Association provides advice and training
• The official How to Rent guide outlines key responsibilities
• Landlord Action offers legal support for tenancy issues

You can also explore the mydeposits Content Hub for guidance on deposits, disputes and compliance, including our dispute resolution service.

Author – Paul Shamplina is the Founder of Landlord Action and Chief Commercial Officer of the HFIS group

The name behind mydeposits, the Property Redress and Client Money Protect, as well as award winning landlord insurance provider, Total Landlord, and the UK’s leading landlord website, LandlordZONE.

Paul has spent over 25 years in the legal field helping landlords and letting agents with problem tenants. He is passionate about engaging with media and industry stakeholders to expose the wrongdoing in the private rented sector, raise standards and influence government policy.

Paul takes to the road on a weekly basis to provide training workshops to teach landlords and agents how to approach buy to let professionally, providing them with tips and tools to help them cope with challenging tenancies and raise standards throughout the sector.

Paul also writes regular monthly features and blogs and is a sought-after guest and presenter on numerous radio and television shows and a regular podcast and webinar host.