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Chelmsford Lettings Market Update: Autumn 2026

Writer: Mary Bugg
Mary Bugg
4 days ago
3 min read

It has now been almost six months since the Renters' Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026, the biggest change to private renting in England in a generation. For Chelmsford landlords, the good news is that demand for well run rental homes is still strong and rents are still rising. The flip side is that the rules are stricter, and more changes are on the way before the end of the year.


Here is where the local rental market stands, what has changed, and what to have on your radar.


Rents and demand

Chelmsford rents have been rising faster than the national average. ONS figures put the average private rent across Chelmsford at £1,442 a month in April 2026, up 7.3% on a year earlier. Across the UK as a whole, the average was £1,388 a month in June 2026, up 3.3%.

Demand is being propped up by the sales market. With mortgage rates holding at higher levels, more households are staying in rented homes for longer. CBRE expects UK rents to grow by 3.3% in 2026 and by almost 17% between 2026 and 2030.

Supply is the other side of the story. Rightmove says the number of homes available to rent is around a third lower than ten years ago. Fewer homes and steady demand mean good properties in good locations are still letting well.


What changed on 1 May

If you let a property in England, these rules now apply to you:

  • No more fixed terms. Almost all tenancies became rolling (periodic) tenancies on 1 May.

  • Section 21 has gone. To regain possession you must use Section 8 and rely on a legal ground, such as rent arrears or wanting to sell.

  • Tenants can leave with two months' notice at any time.

  • One rent increase a year, using the formal notice process, with at least two months' notice.

  • No rental bidding. You must advertise a set rent and cannot accept offers above it.

  • Only one month's rent in advance can be requested.

  • Pets cannot be unreasonably refused.

  • No blanket bans on tenants who receive benefits or have children.


The deadline to give existing tenants the government's Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet was 31 May 2026. If that has slipped through the net, it is worth sorting straight away, as the penalty can be up to £7,000.


What is coming next

The May changes were only phase one. Landlords should keep an eye on:

  • The Private Rented Sector Database. A national register of landlords and rental properties, due to open for registration on 15 December 2026. Registration will be mandatory.

  • A new landlord ombudsman. All private landlords will need to join, and it will be able to make binding decisions on tenant complaints.

  • Awaab's Law. Strict timescales for dealing with hazards such as damp and mould are expected to be extended to private rentals over 2026 and 2027.

  • The Decent Homes Standard. The Act allows it to be extended to private rentals, but no date has been confirmed yet.


What landlords should do now

  • Check your paperwork. Make sure every tenant has the correct written information and that your deposit, gas safety, EICR and EPC records are all up to date.

  • Review your rent. If you have not reviewed the rent in the last year, check it against the local market and use the proper notice if an increase is due.

  • Look after your tenants. With Section 21 gone, a happy tenant who stays long term is the best protection for your income. Respond to repairs quickly and keep records of everything.

  • Protect your rent. Rent and legal protection insurance is worth considering now that regaining possession relies on the court process.

  • Get ready for registration. Have your property details to hand so you can register on the new database once it opens in December.


Need a hand?

Keeping up with the new rules on top of everything else can feel like a lot. At Bugg Estates we offer Let Only, Fully Managed and Fully Managed Plus services, the last of which includes rent and legal protection insurance. We are members of Propertymark, The Property Ombudsman and Client Money Protect.


If you would like a free rental valuation or a chat about how the changes affect your property, get in touch.


Mary Bugg, Bugg Estates 01245 94 84 84 | mary@buggestates.co.uk | buggestates.co.uk

 
 
 

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