How to reference tenants for letting a tenant contract in 2026. How to let your Northampton property. Renters' Rights Guide.

With the Renters Rights Law passing in 2025, there's a lot you need to know about changes to tenant contracts...

With so many changes, you may find yourself asking: How can I let my Northampton property?

Luckily, we've been covering many of the upcoming changes happening with the renters rights law in our Renters Rights guide.

Some of these changes to tenant contracts include:

• Abolishment of section 21 evictions#

• Removal of fixed terms

• Notice dates extension for Landlords and Tenants

  A Private Rented Sector Database

  & more.

But the most pressing question, before you even begin letting the property, is this:

How will the Renters' Rights Law change how to reference tenants?

Most of the changes are focused on ensuring there is no discrimination for tenants.

There are already laws in place to protect tenants from unfair judgment for their race, gender, religion, age, etc, but these upcoming changes will be much stricter and harsher.

Some listings online include phrases such as "No Benefits" or "No Children," but this will no longer be permitted.

Everyone must be given the opportunity to see the property and apply.

On the bright side, you are still free to pick through a selection of candidates. If you'd rather not have an application with kids, and out of the applications you receive one doesn't, nobody is forcing you to choose the one with children. But you must give all a chance to at least apply. And who knows, you may find that the tenants with kids leave a better impression in-person than you initially feared.

The same applies with benefits. If the applicants can prove their affordability with the benefits they receive, they are just as suitable as someone with enough income. If they don't meet the affordability or are unable to provide evidence, you still can reasonably reject them, just as you would someone who doesn't earn enough money in employment.

Although some may have concerns that their mortgage / lease does not allow for these tenants, the Government has already addressed this, stating that it is not a suitable reason in and of itself.

Furthermore, pets will also have to be considered once a tenant moves into a property.

Although you can reject someone for initially having a pet, if they request one during the tenancy, you must earnestly consider their application for one.

Another notable change, that we covered last week, is that upfront rent payments will no longer be permitted.

Although you can base a reference on their savings and ability to pay for a property upfront, Landlords & agents will no longer be able to request for a multiple month payment upfront. This is something Landlords will need to consider, as it requires a lot more trust in their prospective tenants.

Securing strong tenants or strong guarantors are more important than ever. But even with an endless amount of viewings, you never know what a tenant will be like until they move into the property. You may want to apply for a form of rent assurance, or go for a service that ensures you get your monthly rent payments - like Northwood Northampton's Guaranteed Rent Service.

Guaranteed Rent in Northampton

Ensuring you are as prepared as you can be for a worst-case scenario is critical. Don't leave yourself open to be taken advantage of.

Make sure you are as prepared as possible by watching our other Renters Rights Bill Guides.

Contact Northwood Northampton Estate Agents for advice on the Renters Rights bill in Northampton.

Northampton@northwooduk.com / JasonWells@Northwooduk.com 

01604 607080

Jason Wells is Branch Manager at Northwood Northampton. With over 15 years’ experience in the local property market, Jason specialises in helping landlords competitively price their properties reduce risk,