Renters Rights Bill - What you need to know.
At Allen Residential, we understand how important it is for landlords to stay fully informed as the rental landscape continues to evolve.
At Allen Residential, we understand how important it is for landlords to stay fully informed as the rental landscape continues to evolve. With the introduction of the new Rentersā Rights Bill, significant changes are on the horizon for the private rented sector. Our priority is to keep our landlords in the loop, ensure you feel supported, and provide clear, practical guidance on what these reforms mean for you.
Below, weāve outlined 10 key points every landlord should know so you can prepare confidently and stay compliant in the months ahead.
1. Abolition of āNo-Faultā Evictions (Section 21)
A major change under the new Bill is the removal of the Section 21 āno-faultā eviction process. Landlords will no longer be able to regain possession without providing a valid reason.
What this means: You will need to rely on the updated Section 8 grounds for possession, which emphasise clear and justifiable reasons.
2. All Tenancies Moving to a Periodic Model
Fixed-term ASTs will be replaced with periodic tenancies.
Impact: Tenants gain more flexibility, while landlords may see changes in tenancy length and turnover. Updated agreements will be essential.
3. Revised Possession Grounds and Notice Periods
Many grounds now have longer notice periods or higher evidence thresholdsāfor example, increased rent arrears requirements.
For landlords: Ensure you are familiar with the new timelines when serving notice to avoid delays or invalidation.
4. Stricter Rules on Rent Increases
Rent increases will be limited to once per year and must follow the formal Section 13 notice process with two monthsā notice.
Tip: Review your rent review strategy and ensure all rent changes are documented correctly.
5. Restrictions on Rental Bidding & Upfront Payments
The Bill bans rental bidding and caps upfront payments at one monthās rent.
What to do: Adjust your marketing approach and review tenant-onboarding processes to ensure compliance.
6. Anti-Discrimination Rules Strengthened
Landlords cannot refuse tenants based on receiving benefits or having children.
Action: Update your advertising and application criteriaāphrases like āNo DSSā or āNo childrenā must be removed.
7. More Rights for Tenants with Pets
Landlords must consider requests for pets and cannot unreasonably refuse them.
Practical step: Ensure your tenancy agreements include a section on pet requests, and consider requiring pet insurance.
8. Increased Property Standards & Maintenance Expectations
The private sector must meet the new Decent Homes Standard, with faster response expectations for hazards like damp or mould.
For landlords: Conduct a compliance check on your properties and prepare for any required upgrades.
9. New Landlord Database & Mandatory Ombudsman
All landlords will need to register themselves and their properties. A new Ombudsman will offer tenants a route to raise disputes.
Impact: Prepare for more oversight and ensure you have a strong system for responding to tenant concerns.
10. Tougher Enforcement & Higher Penalties
Local authorities will have more power to issue fines and rent repayment orders.
Message: Compliance is more important than ever. Good record-keeping and proactive management will reduce legal risks.
Summary: What This Means for Landlords
The Rentersā Rights Bill represents a shift towards a more regulated and accountable private rented sector. For professional landlords who maintain good standards, these changes are manageableāand in many cases beneficial. Those who rely on informal practices will need to adapt quickly.
Now is the time to review your documentation, processes, property standards, and long-term strategy.
