The UK government's Renters' Rights Bill, introduced in September 2024, aims to enhance tenant protections and address longstanding issues in the private rented sector. Key provisions of the bill include:

• Abolition of Section 21 Evictions: The bill seeks to eliminate 'no-fault' evictions under Section 21, preventing landlords from terminating tenancies without a valid reason. This change is intended to provide tenants with greater security and stability in their homes.

• Regulation of Rent Increases: The legislation proposes limiting rent increases to once per year and requires that any proposed increase be in line with market rates. Tenants will continue to have the right to challenge unjustified rent hikes through a tribunal.

• Introduction of a Decent Homes Standard: The bill introduces a 'decent homes standard' for private rentals, ensuring properties meet minimum conditions regarding repair and maintenance. This measure aims to improve living conditions and hold landlords accountable for the quality of their properties.

• Ban on Discriminatory Practices: The legislation seeks to prevent discrimination against tenants based on their receipt of benefits or family status, ensuring fairer access to housing for all applicants.

• Pet Ownership Rights: Tenants will have the right to request permission to keep pets in their rental properties and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse such requests. This provision acknowledges the importance of pets to many renters and aims to make pet ownership more accessible.

• Establishment of a Landlords Ombudsman Service: To streamline dispute resolution, the bill proposes the creation of an ombudsman service, offering tenants a means to resolve issues without resorting to the court system.

Implications for Landlords…

Whilst the Renters' Rights Bill has been welcomed by tenant advocacy groups, some landlords have expressed concerns about the increased regulations and potential challenges in managing their properties. It's essential for landlords to familiarise themselves with the proposed changes and assess how they may impact their rental practices.

Naturally, as the bill progresses through Parliament, we expect amendments. It is essential that both tenants and landlords stay informed about the developments to understand how the new legislation will affect them.

…And what it really means:

• Abolition of Section 21 Evictions: Landlords will still be able to claim possession of their properties to sell or move in to.

• Regulation of Rent Increases: Rent increases are already permitted and restricted to once a year and will reflect market demand.

• Introduction of a Decent Homes Standard: Landlords already keeping a professionally managed and maintained property for tenants will be unaffected.

• Ban on Discriminatory Practices: Agents and landlords should not be discriminating against any demographic anyway and we continue to work with all tenants.

• Pet Ownership Rights: This is a new consideration and landlords cannot request higher deposits, it comes down to finding responsible tenants and managing the process.

• Establishment of a Landlords Ombudsman Service: As members of The Property Ombudsmen, Maplewood Property continue to follow their guidance. Landlords could be asked for a similar registration. This might alleviate landlord registration requirements with some councils and centralise the process.
  
  We’ll be keeping everyone up-to-date with the changes as the bill progresses into law in 2025. If you’d like to stay informed, you can subscribe to our newsletter.