Renters' Rights Update – It’s Getting Closer!

After the subsequent ping pong over the last few years, the Renters’ Rights Bill has now been through the House of Lords and is now heading back to the House of Commons for Final Approval and Royal Assent. This is expected to take place in late-October or early-November with the implementation to take place in 2026, possibly in stages.

What and when are unknown, but here are the highlights of the Renter’s Rights Bill:

1. The Abolition of Section 21 notices. Landlords will need to use a Section 8 notice and will need a reason to seek repossession of their property. The notice periods for taking a property back for sale and personal use is likely to be 4 months, up from 2, and Landlords will not be able to seek possession for personal use for at least 12 months.
2. Fixed term agreements will end, and all tenancies will become rolling monthly tenancies and tenants will need to give 2 months’ notice at any time to end a tenancy.
3. Rent reviews will be undertaken annually but will require two months’ notice via a Section 13 notice and will not be able to be more that the market rent. Tenants will be able to challenge rent increases via the first-tier tribunal.
4. Rental bidding will be banned. Landlords and Agents will not be able to accept offers above the advertised price.
5. Awaabs Law and Decent Homes Standard will extend to the private rental sector and Landlords will have to make sure that they undertake repairs for serious hazards in a prescribed timeframe.
6. No discrimination on tenants. This will be further enshrined in law and Landlords will not be able to impose a blanket ban on renters who accept benefits, or families with children.
7. No discrimination on tenants with pets. Landlords will not be able to ban pets without a significant reason. Tenants will be allowed to request permission for a pet and if refused will have recourse to the first-tier tribunal to argue their case. We are waiting to hear if a deposit will be able to be charged of 3 weeks rent for a pet, or if pet damage insurance can be insisted upon by a landlord. This would need a change in the permitted fees regulations and/or tenancy deposit legislation.
8. Landlords will need to register with a Property Database. The cost is yet to be determined for this.
9. Landlords will need to sign up to a PRS Ombudsman. The duty of the Ombudsman will be to help and resolve disputes between landlord and tenants without the issue going to court.
10. We are waiting confirmation on the restrictions of payments in advance and clarification if these can be accepted if offered by a tenant. There may be a blanket ban, and if so, current overpayments will need to be returned.

There is lots to still know but picking your tenant wisely is now crucial. Emsleys have been pre-vetting tenants before viewings since 2020 and work closely with landlords to find the best tenant for your property when it is marketed.

If you wish to know more about the bill, or our award-winning service, do not hesitate to contact Emsleys today.