Hampshire · Private rented sector
Landlord templates, Portsmouth.
Tenancy agreements, notices, and compliance documents for Portsmouth's 20,000+ private landlords across Hampshire. Every template is updated for the Renters' Rights Act 2025, in force from 1 May 2026, with Portsmouth City Council as the local housing authority.
Private rented households
~38,000
Average monthly rent (1-bed)
~£825
Student population
~28,000
Portsmouth rental market, what landlords need to know
Portsmouth has a large private rented sector driven by the Royal Navy, the University of Portsmouth, and strong demand from young professionals and naval personnel. The city is relatively compact and densely populated, with significant HMO stock in Southsea and the city centre. Rents are affordable relative to Southampton and London.
Licensing requirements in Portsmouth
Portsmouth City Council operates selective licensing in designated areas and an additional HMO licensing scheme for smaller shared properties. The city has one of the highest HMO densities in southern England outside London, check the Portsmouth licensing portal before letting any shared property.
Essential documents for Portsmouth landlords
View all →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.
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.
Landlord Annual Compliance Checklist
Annual walk-through of every compliance touchpoint: gas, electrical, EPC, smoke/CO, Right-to-Rent, deposit, licensing, database registration.
Renters' Rights Act Transition Pack
For landlords who need to migrate existing ASTs onto the new regime. The single most-searched landlord product of 2026.
What changes for Portsmouth landlords on 1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies in full to every Portsmouth tenancy from 1 May 2026, enforced locally by Portsmouth City Council. The headline changes for Hampshire landlords are:
- → Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions permanently abolished, use Section 8
- → All new tenancies must use Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreements, no more ASTs
- → Rent increases via Section 13 only, contractual review clauses unenforceable
- → Pet requests must be considered, blanket ‘no pets’ policies are unlawful
- → Private landlord database registration coming, date TBC
Portsmouth landlord FAQs
Which council handles landlord licensing in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth City Council is the local housing authority for Portsmouth, Hampshire. Both selective licensing (covering all private rented homes in designated areas) and additional HMO licensing (covering smaller shared houses) currently operate here, on top of mandatory national HMO licensing for properties with 5 or more occupants. Always confirm the current designation with the council before letting, as licensing schemes and area boundaries are reviewed periodically.
Does Portsmouth have selective licensing for private landlords?
Yes. Portsmouth City Council operates selective licensing in designated areas. Given the high density of HMO stock, particularly in Southsea, many Portsmouth landlords are also affected by the additional HMO licensing scheme. Check the Portsmouth City Council licensing register with your property postcode before letting.
Do student landlords in Portsmouth need a Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreement from 2026?
Yes. Portsmouth is in England and the Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies from 1 May 2026. All new private tenancy agreements, including student lets in Southsea, Fratton, and the city centre, must be Periodic Assured Tenancy Agreements. The fixed-term AST model is no longer available for new grants. Ground 4A (student HMO ground) allows possession between 1 June and 30 September for qualifying student HMOs.