The Renters\u2019 Rights Bill is the most significant reform the private rented sector has seen since the Housing Act 1988.\u00a0 The primary goal is to give tenants more security to stay in their homes and have more freedom to leave substandard properties.\u00a0 The Bill will impact all Assured Shorthold Tenancies, including both new and existing tenancies and there will be significant changes that will be implemented as soon as the Bill becomes enforceable.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0 Bill concluded the committee stage with the House of Lords on 15th May, and it is now approaching the final stages.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The bill was scrutinised for over 30 hours and it seems to have largely remained the same as the original proposals. \u00a0\u00a0The Bill now moves onto the report stage, where the Bill will be further scrutinised and additional amendments can be made, this will be quickly followed by the third and final reading before it moves from the Commons to be passed by the House of Lords. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0It is assumed it will pass Royal Assent in July and become law some time between October 2025 and February 2026.<\/p>\n
The main changes are:<\/p>\n
All tenancies will have no end date and will become a rolling or \u2018periodic\u2019 tenancy.\u00a0 Tenants will be able to stay in their home until they decide to end, providing 2 months\u2019 notice.<\/p>\n
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New section 8 grounds introduced to enable you to serve notice under different circumstances.\u00a0 This will ensure landlords can recover their property when reasonable.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Any pre-agreed rent increases will not be valid.\u00a0 Rent can be increased one per annum and must be in line with market rates.\u00a0 A section 13 notice must be serviced giving a minimum of two months\u2019 notice of the increase.\u00a0 Tenants will be able to challenge and appeal excessive above market rents via independent first-tier tribunal.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Landlords will be prohibited to demand more than one month\u2019s rent in advance.\u00a0 Tenants must switch to monthly payments.\u00a0 Rules on students are still being discussed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Landlords must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse pets.\u00a0 You will only be able to refused a tenant\u2019s pet request under certain circumstances.\u00a0 Landlords will be able to require pet insurance to cover any damage to their property.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It will be illegal for landlords to refuse tenants with children or receiving benefits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All private landlords will be required by law to join, including those who use a managing agent.\u00a0 Tenants will be able to use the service for free and obtain quick, fair impartial and binding resolutions for tenants\u2019 complaints about a landlord\u2019s actions or behaviours.\u00a0 Landlords will also have access to guidance and support to help them improve their complaint handling practices.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All landlords will be legally required to register themselves and their properties on the database and could be subject to penalties if they market or let out a property without registering it and providing the required information. \u00a0\u00a0It will help landlords understand their legal obligations and demonstrate compliance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rental bidding will be illegal and landlords and letting agents will be prohibited from asking for, encouraging or accepting any bids above the advertised price.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Decent homes standard will be introduced to ensure tenant benefit from homes that are safe and decent.\u00a0\u00a0 Regulations will be made setting out DHS requirements and provide local councils with effective and proportional enforcement powers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Awaab\u2019s Law will be extended to private rented homes. \u00a0It will set clear legal expectations about timeframes within which landlords must address hazards, such as damp and mould. If landlords do not comply, tenants will be able to bring enforcement action against them through the courts.<\/p>\n Landlords and tenants are encouraged to stay updated on the Renters\u2019 Rights Bill to understand how these changes might impact their responsibilities and rights.\u00a0 Castlereagh will be keeping informed with the progress of the Bill and how it will affect our portfolio and Landlords.\u00a0 \u00a0We will be revising our processes and procedures in order to prepare for the Bill and ensure we are ready to implement the new rules when they become law.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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