With the RRB soon to be passed into law, the aim is to give tenants greater protection and bring an end to Assured Short hold Tenancies (AST’s). The key aspects are outlined here for the reference of tenants and landlords so that any agreements can be entered into or continued with both party’s full knowledge and awareness.
Abolishment of Section 21 Evictions
- This Act will enable tenants to fight back against their rent being unfairly increased by landlords or challenge their poor conduct without worrying about being evicted. This change to how tenancy works will be made immediate and give the necessary added security to tenants within their agreements.
- Tenants will now have more confidence that they will not be evicted with a lack of notice or justification. Abolishing Section 21 through the RRA will now mean any living conditions that are not up to an adequate standard can now be complained about without fear that their landlord will evict them as punishment
- The circumstances in which evictions are permitted will be more specific and clearer, such as if the tenant is at fault or if the landlord needs to sell.
- Tenants will now be afforded with a 12-month protected period at the start of the rent agreement, in which the landlord cannot evict them if the intention is to move in or sell the property.
- Additionally, in these circumstances, landlords would now be required to give 4 months’ notice, giving tenants enough time to move out and find another home.
- With Section 21 evictions being abolished, there are now only specific circumstances, under section 8, where a landlord can repossess the property.
- The tenant will now be able to give 2 months’ notice if they wish to end their tenancy.
Rent Increase Regulations
Landlords will be permitted to increase rent only once per year, with a statutory notice period of two months. Tenants will have the right to challenge above-market rent increases through the First-tier Tribunal.
Ban on Rental Bidding
Rental bidding, where prospective tenants are encouraged or pressured to offer more than the advertised rent, will now be outlawed with the introduction of this Act. Landlords and agents must advertise a set rental price and will be prohibited from accepting offers above this rate
Right to Keep Pets
Tenants will have the right to request a pet, and landlords must consider requests and cannot unreasonably refuse them. In these cases, landlords can require tenants to hold pet insurance to cover potential damage to the property.
Decent Homes Standard
The Decent Homes Standard will be applied to the private rented sector, ensuring that all rental homes are safe, warm, and in good repair. Local authorities will have new enforcement powers to ensure compliance with these standards
Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman
- This Ombudsman will oversee and ensure legal compliance from landlords, working to make sure that they feel confident in their position when they rent to tenants.
- All private landlords, with assured or regulated tenancies, will be required to join this service. Failure to do so will result in a fine of up to £7,000
- Through this service, tenants will be able to seek a fair, impartial and binding resolution, and if necessary, landlords will be legally instructed to apologise for poor practice, provide information and / or pay compensation to remedy the situation.
- This will avoid the need for court action to handle disputes and complaints
Private Rented Sector Database
All landlords will be required to register themselves and their properties on a new database. Properties that are not registered will not be eligible for possession proceedings unless correctly registered
Prohibition of Rental Discrimination
It will be illegal for landlords and letting agents to discriminate against potential tenants based on whether they receive housing benefits or have children. The bill aims to make renting fairer and more inclusive.
Extension of Awaab’s Law
The bill extends Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, requiring landlords to address hazards, such as damp and mould, within a specified time period
To conclude, the Renters’ Rights Bill being made into law demonstrates a significant step towards modernising England’s private rented sector. Through enhancing tenant protections and establishing clearer regulations for landlords, this Act seeks to create a more balanced and fair rental market.
For further information on this topic or on any other legal area, please contact John Szepietowski or Kay Stewart at Audley Chaucer Solicitors on 01372 303444 or email admin@audleychaucer.com or visit our Linkedin page.
This information was correct as of May 2025