If you rent a home in Tamworth — whether that’s a two-bedroom terrace in Glascote, a flat in Wilnecote, or a family home in Amington or Polesworth — the biggest shake-up to the private rented sector in a generation has now arrived. The main tenancy reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act are in force, and they change the rules significantly in your favour.
From the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions to new protections around rent increases and property repairs, this legislation reshapes what it means to be a tenant in England. If you’re currently renting or searching for a property to rent across the B77, B78, or B79 postcodes, this guide is written specifically for you.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act and why does it matter in Tamworth?
The Renters’ Rights Act is landmark legislation that replaces the previous framework governing private rented tenancies in England. It builds on years of campaigning by tenant groups and represents a fundamental shift in how the law treats renters.
For Tamworth, where demand for rental homes remains strong across postcodes like B77 (covering Glascote, Amington and Dosthill) and B78 (including Polesworth), these changes are immediately relevant. Average rents for a two-bedroom home in the B77 postcode currently sit at around £850–£950 per month, with B78 properties typically ranging between £800 and £900 per month, reflecting the area’s continued appeal to working families and commuters travelling to Birmingham, Lichfield, and the wider West Midlands.
With a healthy volume of rental stock listed through Belvoir Tamworth at any given time, understanding your rights under this new legislation is essential before you sign your next tenancy agreement.
The end of Section 21 — what it means for renters in Tamworth
Perhaps the most significant change under the Renters’ Rights Act is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions. Previously, a landlord could serve a Section 21 notice to end a tenancy without needing to give any reason, provided they followed the correct procedure.
That is now gone entirely.
Landlords in Tamworth, as across the rest of England, can no longer use Section 21 to end a tenancy without a valid legal ground. They must now rely on specific, legally defined grounds under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, including grounds that can apply if the landlord genuinely intends to sell the property or move themselves or a close family member into it.
This gives tenants in areas like Wilnecote and Polesworth far greater security in their homes. If you have been a reliable, long-standing tenant, your tenancy is now far more protected than it was even 12 months ago.
How tenancy structures have changed
The move to periodic tenancies
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, all new tenancies in England are now periodic rather than fixed-term. This means there is no set end date to your tenancy from the outset. Instead, your tenancy rolls on a month-to-month basis until either you or your landlord brings it to an end through the proper legal channels.
For tenants in Tamworth, this is a meaningful change. You are no longer locked into a fixed-term period if your circumstances change — for example, if you need to relocate for work or move to a larger property in the area.
How much notice do you need to give?
As a tenant, you are required to give two months’ notice to end your tenancy. This is a straightforward process and must be done in writing. Belvoir Tamworth can guide you through the correct procedure when the time comes.
Your rights around rent increases
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces stricter controls on how and when landlords can raise the rent. Here is what you need to know as a tenant in Tamworth:
Landlords can only increase rent once per year. They must use the official Section 13 process to do so, which requires them to give you at least two months’ written notice of any proposed increase.
Crucially, if you believe the proposed increase is above the market rate for similar properties in Tamworth — for example, if your landlord is proposing a rent well above comparable two-bedroom homes in B79 or Amington — you now have the right to challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). The Tribunal will assess whether the proposed rent reflects the genuine open market rate for the area.
This is a significant protection, particularly as rental demand across Tamworth’s key postcodes remains competitive.
Property repairs and your right to a decent home
The Decent Homes Standard
The Renters’ Rights Act provides for the Decent Homes Standard to be extended to the private rented sector, but these specific requirements are not yet in force. Landlords must still meet their existing legal duties to keep rented homes safe and in proper repair.
If your rented home in Tamworth has a persistent repair issue that your landlord has failed to address, you already have legal routes to raise the problem.
How to raise a repair concern
Always report repairs in writing — email is ideal as it creates a clear record. Give your landlord a reasonable timeframe to respond and act. If they fail to do so, you can escalate the matter to Tamworth Borough Council’s Environmental Health team, who have enforcement powers under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
Belvoir Tamworth operates a managed lettings service where maintenance issues are handled through a structured process, giving tenants a clear point of contact and a documented repair trail.
Raising concerns with your letting agent or landlord
If you have a concern about your tenancy — whether it relates to a rent increase, a repair, or how your tenancy is being managed — there are clear steps you can take.
Speak to your letting agent first. A reputable agent such as Belvoir Tamworth is a member of a recognised redress scheme and is bound by professional standards. If your concern is not resolved satisfactorily, you can escalate to the Property Redress Scheme or The Property Ombudsman, depending on which scheme your agent is registered with.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, a new Private Rented Sector Database will also be introduced, bringing greater transparency and accountability to the market. The database is due to begin rolling out from late 2026.
What this means if you’re searching for a rental home in Tamworth right now
If you are currently looking for a property to rent across Tamworth’s B77, B78, or B79 postcodes — whether that’s in Glascote Heath, Dosthill, Polesworth, or closer to Tamworth town centre — the Renters’ Rights Act means you are entering the market with stronger protections than ever before.
When viewing a property, do not hesitate to ask your letting agent about the landlord’s compliance with current legislation and the property’s current EPC rating.
Belvoir Tamworth works with a wide portfolio of landlords across the area and is committed to ensuring all managed properties meet the requirements of the Renters’ Rights Act, giving tenants the confidence and security they deserve.
Ready to find your next rental home in Tamworth?
Whether you’re relocating within Tamworth or moving to the area for the first time, the team at Belvoir Tamworth is here to help you find the right property and understand your rights every step of the way.
Browse our current rental listings or get in touch with the Belvoir Tamworth branch directly to speak with one of our lettings specialists about available properties across B77, B78, and B79.
Are you a homeowner or landlord in Tamworth? Book a free, no-obligation valuation with Belvoir Tamworth today and find out what your property could achieve in the current rental market.