Reports2Go

The Death of Section 21: Why Periodic Inspections are Your Only Defence in 2026

Looking ahead to the new year of 2026, the UK rental market landscape has undergone a paradigm shift. By far the most noticeable change is, of course, the abolition of Section 21. For so many years, no-fault evictions have been a safety net that allowed landlords to take back control of property they own without necessarily having to go through the rigors of the court system. This is no longer the case.

At Reports2Go, we're witnessing firsthand the impact of this shift. If you're facing a need to repossess your property under Section 8 for any reason, such as damage, antisocial behavior, or tenancy violations, a notice is no longer sufficient. You must now present evidence that will stand in court. For this, regular property inspections have shifted from being a nice-to-do to being the only true way to protect yourself. To get started on the right foot, many professionals are already using our free inventory app to create the high-quality digital trail required for this new era.

Moving Beyond the Initial Inventory

Although your Schedule of Condition needs to be comprehensive at the commencement of occupancy, this only provides a snapshot. Under these rolling periodic tenancies, a tenant could occupy your home for years. When a dispute arises in 2026 over the disrepair of your property, your three-year-old inventory will be of little use in a tribunal.

We would suggest that regular inspections are undertaken on a three to six-month cycle. Using our app, it is then possible to compare the present condition of the premises to the original inspection report. This will enable the identification of property hoarding, unauthorised pets, or sub-letting prior to becoming costly legal problems.

The Power of Audio and Visual Proof

In a post-Section 21 world, a judge isn’t going to take your word for it. They want timestamped, high-resolution evidence. Our free inventory app allows you to snap unlimited photos and, more importantly, use our audio-to-text feature to dictate specific details on-site.

If you notice a tenant has caused damage, you can dictate exactly what you see: "Heavy staining on the master bedroom carpet, approximately 30cm, not present at move-in." This level of detail, captured consistently over several inspection cycles, builds an undeniable timeline of events.

Protecting Your Investment

At Reports2Go, our goal has always been to make documentation effortless. Whether you prefer to type your own reports via our portal or use our professional transcription service, having a digital archive of periodic inspections ensures you aren't left vulnerable.

The "death" of Section 21 doesn't have to mean the death of your peace of mind. By staying proactive with your inspections, you ensure that if you ever do need to go to court, you have the evidence to win.

Don’t leave your property's future to chance. Download the Reports2Go app today and start building your digital defence for 2026.

Gary, 02 January 2026