The New Renters’ Rights Bill Is Here – Are You Prepared?

The Renters’ Rights Bill, introduced in September 2024, is the most significant reform to England’s private rented sector since the Housing Act 1988. It is currently progressing through the House of Lords and is expected to become law in spring 2025.

Key Provisions

– End of Fixed-Term Tenancies: All tenancies will become rolling periodic agreements.

– Abolition of Section 21 Evictions: Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason.

– Reformed Possession Grounds: Clearer rules for landlords reclaiming properties, including selling or moving in.

– New Ombudsman & Landlord Database: A dispute resolution service and a mandatory landlord/property registry.

– Tenant Rights & Protections:

* Right to request pets, with landlords unable to unreasonably refuse
* Application of the Decent Homes Standard to private rentals
* Ban on discrimination against tenants with children or benefits
* Ban on rental bidding wars and advance rent requests beyond one month
* Restrictions on rent increases – permitted only once per year, with a two-month notice period
* Awaab’s Law applied to private rentals, requiring prompt action on serious hazards.

How does the Renters’ Rights Impact Landlords?

– No more Section 21 notices – repossessions will require valid Section 8 grounds.

– New notice periods:

* Selling or moving back in: Landlords must give four months’ notice and cannot re-let for 12 months;
* Other Section 8 grounds: Notice periods vary.

– Rent controls: Increases limited to once per year and must reflect market rates.

– Pets: Landlords must consider requests but can require pet insurance.

– New legal obligations: Compliance with enhanced property standards, registration in a national database, and adherence to new dispute resolution mechanisms.

Next Steps

The Bill has not yet become law, but landlords should prepare for upcoming changes. Further updates will be provided as the legislation progresses.