Renters' Rights 2026 - Rent in Advance

Renters’ Rights 2026 – A Landlord’s Guide for Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater & Somerset

Following on from Rent Increases, we now discuss about Rent in Advance

Rent in Advance – Managing Risk in Other Ways

Some landlords have historically relied on larger upfront rent payments, particularly where a tenant’s profile did not fit standard affordability criteria. With tighter rules around rent in advance, landlords may feel that one of their safety nets has been reduced.

However, managing risk in a tenancy has never depended on one factor alone. In reality, a large upfront payment does not always guarantee a smooth tenancy. Stronger protection usually comes from a combination of proper referencing, clear terms, suitable guarantors where appropriate, and consistent management once the tenancy has started.

The main shift here is that landlords may need to become more strategic in how they assess applications. That means looking carefully at employment, affordability, previous landlord references, credit profile, and the overall strength of the application rather than relying on a large lump sum.

This also places greater value on professional systems. A structured application process can identify potential issues early and give landlords more confidence in decision-making.

For many landlords, this change may actually encourage better quality control at the start of a tenancy. Rather than being reassured by upfront money alone, the focus turns to whether the applicant is suitable and sustainable over the longer term.

At SJM Properties, in our experience, the best tenancies are rarely secured by taking the highest upfront payment. They are secured by finding the right tenant, setting expectations clearly, and managing the tenancy properly from the outset.

If you are unsure how this affects you as a landlord, call us on 01823 740056 or email info@sjmpropertiessw.com to see how we can assist.