Renters Rights Act

Renters' Rights Bill: What Landlords Need to Know

The UK rental market is undergoing one of its most significant reforms in decades. The proposed Renters' Rights Bill (previously referred to as the Renters Reform Bill) will introduce major changes to how residential tenancies are managed. At Petermans, we are committed to keeping our landlords fully informed and prepared. Below is a clear summary of the key changes and what they mean for you.

Key Changes at a Glance

The Renters' Rights Bill is expected to introduce:

  • Abolition of Section 21 ('no-fault' evictions)
  • Transition to periodic tenancies
  • Strengthened grounds for possession under Section 8
  • New rules around rent increases
  • A Decent Homes Standard for private rentals
  • A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
  • A national landlord register (Property Portal)

 

1. End of Section 21 Evictions

Section 21 notices will be abolished, meaning landlords will no longer be able to regain possession without providing a valid reason.

What this means:

  • You will need to rely on Section 8 grounds to regain possession.
  • Grounds will include:
    • Selling the property
    • Moving a family member in
    • Tenant rent arrears or breach of tenancy

Peterman's advice: We will guide you through the updated possession grounds and ensure all notices are served correctly and compliantly.

2. All Tenancies Becoming Periodic

Fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will be replaced with rolling periodic tenancies.

What this means:

  • Tenancies will no longer have fixed end dates.
  • Tenants can leave with 2 months' notice at any time.
  • Landlords must use valid grounds to end a tenancy.

Peterman's advice: This increases the importance of tenant selection and ongoing management, areas where our expertise adds real value.

3. Changes to Rent Increases

Rent increases will be limited to once per year, using a formal process.

What this means:

  • Rent increases must be:
    • Fair and in line with market rates
    • Served using a Section 13 notice
  • Tenants will have the right to challenge increases at tribunal.

Peterman's advice:
We will provide market-led rental valuations and manage increases professionally to minimise disputes.

4. Stronger Property Standards

A Decent Homes Standard will apply to the private rented sector.

What this means:

  • Properties must be:
    • Safe
    • Free from serious hazards
    • In a reasonable state of repair
  • Local councils will have stronger enforcement powers.

Peterman's advice:
Our property management service includes regular inspections and compliance checks to ensure your property meets all required standards.

5. New Ombudsman & Landlord Register

Ombudsman:

All landlords will be required to join a mandatory redress scheme.

Property Portal:

A national landlord register will be introduced.

What this means:

  • Greater transparency across the sector
  • Tenants will have clearer routes to raise complaints
  • Landlords must ensure compliance and registration

Peterman's advice:
We will handle these requirements on your behalf where applicable, ensuring you remain fully compliant.

6. Strengthened Tenant Rights

The Bill also introduces:

  • Easier rights for tenants to request pets
  • Protections against rental bidding wars
  • Improved safeguards against discrimination

 

What Should Landlords Do Now?

Although full implementation is expected in stages, preparation is key.

We recommend:

  • Reviewing your tenancy agreements
  • Ensuring your property meets compliance standards
  • Keeping documentation and processes up to date
  • Seeking professional management support

 

How Petermans Can Help

At Petermans Estate Agents, we are already preparing for these changes so you don't have to.

Our services include:

  • Fully compliant tenancy management
  • Expert advice on possession and legal changes
  • Rent reviews based on real-time market data
  • Property compliance and inspection services
  • End-to-end landlord support

 

Speak to Our Team

If you have any questions about how the Renters' Rights Bill affects your property, please contact our team.

We are required by law to conduct anti-money laundering checks on all those selling or buying a property. Whilst we retain responsibility for ensuring checks and any ongoing monitoring are carried out correctly, the initial checks are carried out on our behalf by Lifetime Legal who will contact you once you have agreed to instruct us in your sale or had an offer accepted on a property you wish to buy. The cost of these checks is £60 (incl. VAT), which covers the cost of obtaining relevant data and any manual checks and monitoring which might be required. This fee will need to be paid by you in advance of us publishing your property (in the case of a vendor) or issuing a memorandum of sale (in the case of a buyer), directly to Lifetime Legal, and is non-refundable. We will receive some of the fee taken by Lifetime Legal to compensate for its role in the provision of these checks.