With the new legislation now in place affecting all tenants and landlords across the UK, there is a large amount of new guidance to follow and understand, whether you’re new to the rental market or you’ve been a tenant or landlord for a long time.
So, what has changed? There are many aspects of the new legislation that will affect all current tenants and Landlords, including property maintenance, tenancy agreement notice periods, renting with pets, rent increases and more. These aspects have all been covered in the new Renters’ Rights Act.
The Renters’ Rights Act is the Government's ‘commitment to transform the experience of private renting’, which includes dismissing Section 21 No Fault Evictions and putting in place alternative notice periods for Landlords depending on the circumstances. The abolition of Section 21 evictions should provide more safety to tenants, removing the risk of Landlords evicting them from the property to simply re-let to someone else, or increase the rent and re-let. This can still allow Landlords to serve notice to move themselves or a close family member into the property, or to sell, however minimum requirements mean that this can’t be actioned for a minimum of 12 months, providing the tenant some security. The legislation provides detailed explanations for the notice periods of a variety of situations, creating clear guidelines for Landlords which should make letting property, and serving notice more straightforward.
Prohibiting rental discrimination has also been an important factor in the change to ensure a fair housing market for all. This will stop discrimination against families with children or people receiving benefits. It also supports responsible pet ownership by ensuring that Landlords can’t unreasonably withhold consent for pets in properties. This ensures that everyone has access to suitable homes, and of course, for many, a house is not a home without a pet.
The new Renters’ Rights Act also covers Awaab’s Law, which empowers tenants to challenge dangerous conditions within a rental property and encourages swift action from Landlords, following the tragic death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak due to prolonged exposure to excessive mould. It also introduces the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, to give better value homes. This should ensure that all private rental properties are maintained to a suitable standard for habitation, to provide comfortable, safe environments for all tenants. It also encourages tenants to report concerns, allowing Landlords to be proactive with property maintenance to avoid their property deteriorating and devaluing.
Our Lettings team are well versed in the new legislation, and our fully managed Lettings package means we can take on the day-to-day management of your rental properties, to provide you peace of mind. Contact our team for more information on our Lettings services.