Emsleys Estate Agents Logo Posted: 12th June 2023

Lettings: The Renters Reform Bill - Part 3: Right to Rent by Lettings Director, Helen Jolly

This is the third in a series of blogs, by Lettings Director, Helen Jolly on the changes to the Renters Reform Bill.

 

Right to Rent

Pets

Pets are always an emotive issue with tenants and landlords. If a tenant would like to have a pet, they will need to contact their landlord with a request and the landlord must accept or refuse consent by the 42nd day. The landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent, they will need to provide objective justification for refusing based on aspects such as the number of pets, type of pet, the amount of space available for a pet and allergies.

The bill also indicates that tenants must provide in writing, confirmation that they have acquired pet insurance or that they are willing to pay for the landlord’s reasonable costs to cover a policy taken out by the landlord.

In practice, I would suggest that landlords take the cover and recharge as insurance can be cancelled within 14 days. A copy of the insurance can then be sent to the tenant for transparency. Regular inspections will also ensure that the tenant is looking after the house and that the pet is not causing damage.

At Emsleys, we also ask that the tenant sign a pet addendum, so that there is no ambiguity on the number of pet(s) allowed at the property and what actions are needed by the tenant on vacation of the property.

 

Discrimination

The bill will also make it illegal for landlords to have blanket bans on renting to those on benefits or those with children.

Landlords and agents are already governed by the Equality Act 2010 and must not unlawfully discriminate against a person on the basis of their protected characteristic (nationality, race, religion, sexuality, disability, age or gender).

However, agents and landlords will need to see proof that tenants have a legal right to live in the UK to satisfy the Right to Rent legislation.

Vetting and referencing of tenants is the key component to securing a happy let. No one can reference a person(s) character, but risk can be minimised by finding out about the tenant(s) circumstances and having these verified as far as possible by undertaking credit, income, and past landlord checks.

At Emsleys, we ask for potential tenants to complete a viewing application form. In this form, a tenant can also let a landlord know of their circumstances and their requirements for a letting; for example, how long they are likely to stay, if they have pets, what type, how many, and information about their dependents/personal circumstances.

This information is shared with landlords prior to arranging a viewing. The landlord then has full knowledge of that tenant(s) circumstances, and as each landlord assesses their risk differently, this prevents them from falling into the trap of blanket bans that are unlawful but also can leave them missing out on a good candidate. Not all candidates fit the perfect tenant mould.

This method of matching landlord and tenants also reduces the stress and cost for tenant(s) going to multiple viewings where they would not pass the referencing criteria for the property.

Lettings: The Renters Reform Bill - Part 3: Right to Rent by Lettings Director, Helen Jolly
need conveyancing?

need conveyancing?

We know how stressful and expensive moving home can be and we are here to help your next move go smoothly by providing you with a free, instant conveyancing quote.

Contact us today
AllAgents

"

Service from Carol was the best! She was contactable throughout the whole selling process and when our sale fell through, they sold it even quicker again. Read more
Elizabeth Mitchell

"

An excellent experience purchasing my first house through Emsleys. Staff were always in contact to ensure everything went smoothly. Maria was especially helpful. 100% recommend. Read more
Joshua Wingfield

"

Our first time buying a house and we couldn't have asked for a better experience from the Estate Agents at Emsleys. Carol and Amber went above and beyond to support us with getting the... Read more
Ross Jennings

"

I recently purchased a home through Emsleys in Sherburn in Elmet. Carol was my main point of contact and she was brilliant, very responsive to emails, always keeping me updated, and just a very... Read more
Finton Beckett-Hester

"

Carol goes above and beyond to help you . Would definitely recommend using Emsleys in Sherburn in Elmet. Read more
Tina Meaney

"

Very friendly and genuine all the way through the process. Read more
Stephen tyldsley

"

Carol and Amber were very helpful in getting this purchase thu. Read more
Beverley Greenwood

"

Carol and the team at Emsleys were on it from the word go. Questions never went unanswered and I was always met with a cheery, friendly response. My moving experience this time, the second time in... Read more
Mark Griffiths

"

I would highly recommend using Emsleys estate agents. I have used them previously and would definitely be happy to use them again. They have been fair\/friendly, helpful and very efficient in all... Read more
DEBRA WILLS

"

From start to finish, Carol at the Sherburn-in-Elmet office has been friendly, professional and so helpful with the sale of my house. Always on the end of the phone to answer any questions and ease... Read more
Heather Parry

"

Amazing from the get go. Carol and the team are on top of everything and keep everyone well informed throughout the process. Emsleys do a great job of making you feel valued throughout the process... Read more
Josh Rose

"

Where do I start ! It has been the most amazing and professional experience from start to finish. We have been treated with kindness and sensitivity at all times. The true star has to be Carol... Read more
Tracey Chapman

"

Fantastic service throughout, carol was always very kind and helpful with many questions raised throughout - excellent service Read more
Holly Miller

"

Very good communication and follow ups. Friendly staff who actually understand house purchasing \/ selling from a clients perspective. Read more
Wendy Wilson

"

Carol made the house purchase very easy. Always updating, chasing solicitors and simplifying the process where possible. I'd absolutely buy another house through Emsley any day of the week.... Read more
Laith Salama

"

We had a fantastic experience working with Lisa at Emsleys Estate Agents during our home-buying journey. The team was incredibly attentive, responsive, and dedicated to helping us find the perfect... Read more
Evie Wadkin

"

We are first time buyers so didn't know much about the buying process, but Carol has taken the time to explain everything to us, keep in regular communication with us and overall make the... Read more
Tom and Lydia

"

I cannot compliment Emsleys enough. Everyone we worked with or spoke to was incredible. We predominantly worked with Carol and Amber who really looked after us and never made me feel like I was... Read more
Rebecca Newman

"

We would like to thank the Cross Gates staff for their excellent service during the sale of our flat. During the process we encountered a couple of hiccups but the staff worked with the necessary... Read more
Mark Flynn

"

We were blown away by the service we received by Carol at Emsleys Estate Agents in Sherburn. We bought our beautiful house from this estate agent and she really steered this purchase through a... Read more
Sarah Rawlings

"

Very professional service and helpful throughout the whole process of selling our home. Always kept in contact and provided us with details and information. Read more
Rachel Tustain

"

Carol and the team were there every step of the way with clear and responsive information. Read more
Holly Dove

"

Brilliant every step of the way with the sale of my property. Highly recommend Read more
Asif Sarwar

"

Thank you for a great service. We were kept up to date throughout the process despite it being long and drawn out! Good value for money. Thoroughly professional and friendly. Read more
Yvonne Cotterill

"

Thank you for a great service. We were kept up to date throughout the process despite it being long and drawn out! Good value for money. Thoroughly professional and friendly. Read more
Yvonne Cotterill

"

Very knowledgeable about market and suggested a practical price immediately. Have been available to help with all aspects of selling throughout, never too busy to deal with us and always... Read more
Victoria Anne Hamilton

"

Great service provided by the staff at Emsleys Sherburn in Elmet branch, any queries were dealt with efficiently and promptly . Special mention to Carol and Amber who were excellent Would not... Read more
Adele Stephenson

"

Fantastic service by Lisa and Amber throughout a very tough process. Would highly recommend. Read more
Katie

"

Professional, knowledgeable, friendly service, always kept upto date with communications. We received a really professional service through Emsleys, their staff are always on hand to help with any... Read more
Eleanor Wilkinson

"

Excellent communication and very helpful staff - would definitely recommend this estate agency to anyone wanting to buy or sell a home Read more
Helen Chermside

"

Fantastic service from start to finish. Carol stayed in touch with us during the whole process of selling our house and even helped to chase others in the chain\/our own solicitors. We would... Read more
Peyton Melling

"

I am so pleased we chose Elmsleys to sell our house. Everything went very smoothly from appointments for viewings to the negotiations with the buyers. I would like to say a special thank you to... Read more
Mrs Margaret White

"

The chain involved 6 buyers and sellers and was not moving until Carol spoke to as many parties as she could. We would not have exchanged today without her input. Read more
Wilma Verney

"

We sold our house in Kirkstall so we was dealing with Maria (rothwell branch) negotiating on the house we wanted never have we bought and sold before and hand on heart emsleys can't do enough... Read more
Linda Procter

"

Definitely the agent to go to! My recent experience as a buyer of a property through Emsleys Estate Agents was second to none! All thanks go to Carol branch negotiator!! Carol went over amp;... Read more
Avril Leach

"

Simple process, good response time, straight forward transaction. Thank you Read more
Carl

"

The whole team have been amazing with myself and my partner Sean even though we were only purchasing from them they all went above and beyond in helping us buy our forever home. Read more
Nicola

"

Superb service from start to finish. Nothing has ever been too much trouble. We were given a realistic price to sell at. Carol and Amber have been accommodating and professional throughout. I... Read more
Louise Edwards

"

Excellent service from Emsleys, Carol and Jarred were both great at keeping us informed would highly recommend. Read more
Alison Kirk

"

I recently had the pleasure of working with Emsleys Estate Agents to sell my house, and I couldn\'t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, their professionalism, expertise, and... Read more
Rufus Watson

"

I used Emsleys to sell my 4-bed house. Jared showed great knowledge of the area and comparable properties, and due to the great position and condition, recommended a valuation pound;35k higher... Read more
Phil Morgan

"

Our sale process turned out to be much longer than expected due to issues in our chain. Throughout the process Carol worked hard to speed things up and keep us informed at all times. Highly... Read more
David Gigg

"

Was buying my first property and did not know process very well. Where very helpful in explaining the procedure. Very quick to reply and was easy to arrange a viewing Read more
Joe

"

As a buyer with a terrible solicitor, I found Emsleys to be very helpful. I wish we could have used their solicitors but the seller used them. They kept pushing our solicitor to achieve a great... Read more
Helen Gourlay

"

I recently bought a property for sale through Emsleys in Sherburn-in-Elmet and I couldn't have wished for a better service. All the staff were friendly and helpful during what became a very... Read more
Lisa Taylor-Smith

"

Elmsleys has been absolutely outstanding in all respects. We have dealt with Carol Flynn who has been amazing throughout the process of our sale and purchase. She has expertly liaised with all... Read more
Sarah Rawlings

"

The entire process was perfectly guided and well maintained with vigilant services leading to my satisfaction. Read more
Agha Muhammad Shaharyar

"

In a complicated house sale Lisa and the team at Emsleys were really helpful. Often as a buyer in the process you feel ignored but Lisa was respectful and really supportive throughout! Honestly I... Read more
Elena

"

Carol Flynn : she was very helpful and handled every enquiry quickly and professionally Thank you for all your help you made this process much easier Read more
Philip Macandrew

"

Very helpful. Easy and quick process. Good communication all around and very pleased with the experience. Read more
Callum convy
How Much is Your Property Worth?

how much is your property worth?

Why Choose Emsleys? We're here to make selling your property as easy as possible. We’ll support you in all aspects of moving home; from an initial free market valuation, through to agreeing a sale.

Book a valuation