Various key measures in the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) come into force on 1st May 2026, and there are two changes that increase the risk of landlords losing rental income:
- If your tenant stops paying rent, you will have to wait until they are three months in arrears before you can issue a Section 8 notice – an increase from the current two months – and the notice period is rising from two weeks to four. So, even if the tenant doesn’t contest the eviction, that’s still potentially four months without any rental income.
- With the removal of Section 21 and the accelerated possession process, every contested eviction will require a court hearing. The extra caseloads could greatly increase the time it takes to get to court – and the time before your tenant can be legally removed from the property.
Rent protection insurance is a product you can take out that pays you the monthly rent amount if your tenant defaults. At Your Move we offer landlords who have chosen our Fully Managed or Rent Collection service the following optional comprehensive cover from our partner, First2Protect Insurance Services:
- Rent Protection: 100% of the monthly rent for up to 15 months, up to a maximum of £50,000. Many other products only cover you for up to 12 months, but with the increased risk that it may take longer to evict a non-paying tenant under the RRA, this extra length of cover gives you greater peace of mind.
In addition, the claims are automated, so you don’t need to take any action yourself. When rent becomes overdue, a claim is automatically processed and a payment is credited to your account. - Legal Expenses: Up to £50,000 to pay for the legal costs involved in regaining possession of your property.
- Alternative Accommodation: If you want to move into the property, the cover pays up to £100 a day towards the cost of accommodation for you and your family for up to 30 days.
For landlords who have chosen our Tenant Find service, our partner First2Protect Insurance Services offers optional cover that includes:
- Rent protection of up to £1,250 for 6 months.
- Legal expenses for regaining possession paid up to £50,000.
- If squatters have gained unlawful access, up to £50,000 to cover the cost of evicting them*.
- If tenants or squatters have damaged the property and repairs have to be made before it can be re-let, 50% of the rent will be paid for up to three months.
- A 24-hr legal and tax helpline.
If you would like to discuss Rent Protection insurance, you can call First2Protect’s team of advisers directly at 01392 849758. Or simply fill out the form using the link below, and they will call you back.
*The limit of cover for Legal expenses and squatters is £50,000 for any one claim.
Your-Move is an introducer to First2Protect Insurance Services. First2Protect Insurance Services is a trading name of First2Protect Limited, an appointed representative of John Charcol, a trading name of John Charcol Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Your Move may receive a referral fee from insurance providers for recommending their services. You are not under any obligation to use the services of the recommended providers.
^ Calls may be recorded and/or monitored for training and/or data protection purposes.
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