Legal Update – The Renters Rights Act

The Renters Rights Bill is now the Renters Rights Act – it was given Royal Assent on 27^th October and is now an Act.

Currently there is no date set by the government when the different parts of the Act will be implemented including the commencement date of the new assured periodic tenancy system but have said that sufficient time to adjust and prepare will be given.

As a reminder, key elements of the Renters Rights Act are:

• End of so-called ‘no-fault’ evictions: The measure abolishes Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, which allows landlords to evict tenants without a stated reason;
• Replacement of fixed-term tenancies: All tenancies will be converted to a single, “rolling” periodic tenancy model. Tenants can end these with two months’ notice, and landlords will rely on specific legal grounds for possession;
• Ban on rent bidding wars: Landlords and agents are prohibited from soliciting or accepting offers of rent that are higher than the initial advertised price;
• Annual rent increases: Rent can only be increased once per year, limited to the market value, and a minimum of two months’ notice must be given. Tenants can appeal to a tribunal if they believe the increase is unfair;
• Discrimination protection: Landlords will be legally prevented from discriminating against prospective tenants based on whether they have children or receive benefits;
• Decent Homes Standard: The measure applies the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, ensuring properties meet minimum quality requirements including the new Awaab’s law;
• New landlord database: A national register of landlords and their properties will be created to help both tenants and landlords;
• Pet requests: Tenants will have the right to request a pet in their rental property, and landlords cannot unreasonably deny this request.

For more information and advice on this and how this may affect you please contact our Property Litigation Team at [email protected]