Dorchester | Posted on February 18th, 2026 | return to news

Forum to help Dorset landlords

A Landlord Forum is to be held on 25 March at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester to help landlords to stay within the law.

The Renters Rights Act 2025 which comes into force on 1 May this year will bring a number of changes that landlords need to be aware of.

To this end Dorset Council is holding a Landlord Forum on 25 March at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester.

The new legislation introduces major updates for the private rented sector, with tougher compliance expectations and the potential for substantial fines for those who fail to meet the revised standards.

Among the key changes in the Act are:

Landlords will not be able to evict tenants without good reason
Only one rent increase per year will be allowed
Advanced rent payments will be capped at one month
Landlords cannot reject tenants requests without good reason
Blanket bans to refuse tenants with children will become illegal
The new mandatory ombudsman will provide free impartial complaint resolution
Landlords must comply with tenancy changes and register their properties to avoid possible fines.

Cllr Gill Taylor, Dorset Council Cabinet member for Housing and Health said:“While the Renters Rights Act brings big changes, it also offers a real opportunity to strengthen the private rented sector for both landlords and tenants. Dorset Council is here to support landlords every step of the way, and I would encourage everyone to make use of the guidance, resources and expert insight available at the March Forum.

“Evidence shows that happy tenants stay longer, raise issues earlier and more constructively and cost less to manage.”

The event will bring together specialists from across the council and partner services. Planned topics and contributors include: