England · Hampshire · 2026

Portsmouth Landlord Compliance 2026 — Renters' Rights Act, Licensing and Obligations

A complete guide to landlord compliance in Portsmouth in 2026, covering the Renters' Rights Act 2025, Portsmouth City Council HMO and selective licensing, student HMO rules, Ground 4A, and Awaab's Law.

8 min readUpdated 27 May 2026Last reviewed: 17 May 2026Renters' Rights ActPortsmouthHMO LicensingStudent Lets

Portsmouth is a high-density city with major student HMO demand from the University of Portsmouth (~30,000 students), naval base demand, and NHS workforce lettings. Portsmouth City Council operates HMO licensing and may operate selective/additional licensing in designated areas.

Key 2026 obligations

Section 21 abolished — all possession via Section 8 with a statutory ground
All new tenancies must use a Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreement
Student landlords: Ground 4A for academic-year possession (2 months' notice, within window)
Information Sheet served on all existing tenants by 31 May 2026
Portsmouth City Council HMO and possible additional/selective licensing — check portal
Civil penalties up to £40,000 for PRS non-compliance
Awaab's Law: mandatory timeframes for damp, mould, and HHSRS hazards

Frequently asked questions

Does the Renters' Rights Act apply to Portsmouth landlords?+

Yes. All RRA 2025 provisions apply from 1 May 2026. Section 21 abolished, PAT agreements required, civil penalties up to £40,000.

Can Portsmouth student landlords use fixed-term tenancies in 2026?+

No. Fixed-term ASTs are abolished. Student landlords use PAT agreements and Ground 4A (2 months' notice, correct window) for academic-year possession.

Templates recommended in this guide

TenancyLS-E-001

Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreement

The new default English tenancy from 1 May 2026. Periodic from day one, with the prescribed written statement of terms built in. Ships with the Form 4A rent-increase notice template and an Information Sheet delivery acknowledgement form so a buying landlord has every Phase-1 compliance document in one pack.

£29

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NoticeLS-E-010

Section 8 Notice Pack (All Grounds)

Every mandatory and discretionary ground on the new 2026 list, pre-labelled with the notice period, arrears threshold, and evidence block.

£19

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NoticeLS-E-011

Section 13 Rent Increase Pack

One legitimate rent rise per 12 months. This pack calculates the permitted increase, drafts the notice, and explains the tribunal referral route.

£19

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Found a gap or disagree with something?

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