Lettings

As the landscape of property management shifts with the introduction of the new renters bill, it's imperative that you understand the implications it holds for your investments. The stakes have never been higher, and failing to adapt could lead to costly penalties and a significant impact on your rental income.

Key Changes and Implications

The Abolition of Section 21 Evictions

One of the bill’s flagship reforms is the abolition of “no-fault” Section 21 evictions. This means that landlords will only be able to serve section 8 notices based on a number of approved grounds. It is expected that these grounds will include breach of contract, selling a property, or using the property for one’s own use. While this change enhances tenant security, it is also designed to give landlords greater power to regain their property.

Shift to Periodic Tenancies

The abolition of fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will mean that all future tenancies are periodic from the outset. Tenants can give two months’ notice to leave, while landlords must provide four months’ notice to regain possession. Importantly, a 12-month protection period applies at the start of tenancies, during which landlords cannot issue a possession notice. While this offers tenants more flexibility, landlords must prepare for potential challenges, including adapting to the new rules for managing rental agreements. Now more than ever, working with a Lettings Specialist will be invaluable in ensuring smooth tenancy management and compliance with the new regulations.

Limitations on Rent Increases

Rent increases will now be governed by Section 13 notices, which can only be issued once per year. This limits landlords’ ability to adjust rents mid-tenancy and even then, only in line with market rent. Additionally, bidding wars for rental properties will be banned, with landlords and agents prohibited from accepting offers above the advertised price. While these changes aim to create fairness, many fear they may result in higher initial rents to offset restricted adjustments later.

Introducing a Landlord Ombudsman and Landlord database

A new Landlord Ombudsman will be established to mediate disputes between tenants and landlords, offering a cost-effective alternative to legal action. Meanwhile, a national landlord database will track landlord compliance, including enforcement actions and previous eviction notices, increasing transparency and accountability.

Additional Protections and Standards

This bill will extend the Decent Homes Standard to all rental properties, a move that we welcome. By ensuring minimum quality standards across the sector, it aims to improve living conditions for tenants while also benefiting responsible landlords by raising overall standards in the sector. It will also prohibit discrimination against tenants with children or those on benefits and will restrict advance rental payments. However, concerns have been raised about how this will impact students, the self-employed, retired individuals, and those coming from overseas, who may face challenges in providing sufficient evidence of financial stability. Additionally, the bill is expected to support tenants’ rights to request pets in rental properties, except in cases where pets are prohibited under the terms of a head lease.