As a landlord, staying informed about the latest regulations and tenant rights is crucial.
Especially as 2025 will see the Renters’ Rights Bill being rolled out across the UK, heralding the biggest shake up that the lettings industry has seen - but what will this mean for landlords?
On February 4th 2025, the Bill passed its Second Reading in the House of Lords, with the subsequent stages yet to be scheduled Current predictions suggest the Bill will be introduced in the latter part of 2025.
While some of the main points of the Bill will remain in place, other items on the Bill have not been amended during the early readings through the House of Commons. However, there is still the opportunity for this to happen during the final stages in the House of Lords and information may change in these subsequent stages
In this guide we will be considering a brief overview of what we understand will be part of the Bill, however it must be taken into account that things may well change as the Bill progresses through subsequent stages
So, what do we currently know about the Renters’ Rights Bill and what it means for landlords and tenants?
Like with any new legislation it’s likely to be challenging to start with, especially until all the information is announced and confirmed.
Whether you ' re a seasoned landlord or just starting out, this guide aims to highlight some key aspects of the Renters' Rights Bill, as well as to offer advice on how to adapt your practices accordingly.
Amy Davidson Associate & Senior Lettings Manager Taunton rental taunton@gth net
1. ASSURED SHOR
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2. ABOLISHMENT O
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3. UPDATES TO TH
The Bill is aiming to expand and clarify the grounds for possession that a landlord can use to take their property back
Landlords will still be able to serve notice should a tenant fall into rent arrears, or if there is anti-social behaviour and breaches of the tenancy Rent arrears and anti-social behaviour will more than likely fall under mandatory grounds
4. UPDATES TO NOTICE PERIODS
Under the new regulations, landlords will be required to provide their tenants with four months’ notice rather than the current two months
Tenants will be required to serve two months’ notice
5. RENT ARREARS
Should a tenant fall into arrears, a landlord/agent will not be able to serve four weeks’ notice (extended from two weeks) until three months’ rent is outstanding – this is an increase from the current two months.
KEY POINTS
Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will be replaced by periodic contracts
The Section 21 Notice (Form 6a) will be abolished and the updated Section 8 Notice will take its place.
Landlords will be required to provide tenants with four months’ notice.
Landlords will not be able to serve notice to a tenant who has fallen into rent arrears until until three months’ rent is outstanding
Tenants will be required to provide two months’ notice
7. SELLING/MOVING IN
Should a landlord decide to sell their property, or should they require possession in order to take occupation themselves, the new Ground 1 or 1A form will need to be issued. However, this notice cannot be served within the first 12 months from the tenancy start date.
A landlord/agent will not be able to re-let the property for a further 12 months (known as the ‘restricted period’) from the date of when vacant possession has been obtained
It is worth noting that a landlord/agent will be providing four months’ notice, not the current two months, and should the property be advertised within the ‘restricted period’ there could be a penalty up to £7,000
8. COMPLIANCE
Landlords will be required to register their property on a new Private Rented Sector Database, whether they manage the property themselves or use an agent to manage their portfolio or property. There will be fees to join but as yet, the amount has not been disclosed. The landlord/agent will not be able to market the property until this process has been completed.
Fines will be put in place should a landlord fail to register their propertyup to £7,000 for the first offence and up to £40,000 for second or subsequent offences.
9. PETS
Landlords and agents will not be able to unreasonably withhold consent should a tenant put in a written request to have a pet Tenants will be able to challenge refusals with the first-tier tribunal However, there are plans to make it lawful for pet insurance to be in place to cover damages
There will also be situations where it would be reasonable to refuse a pet –for instance a top floor flat with no lift or garden would not be suitable for a dog.
This is something landlords need to discuss with their agent when considering renting out their property.
10. RENT IN ADVANCE
The Renters’ Rights Bill, once it comes into force, will amend the Tenant Fees Act 2019 in order to prohibit landlords or letting agents from requesting or accepting rent in advance of the commencement of a tenancy The change will mean that landlords will only be able to request or accept up to one months’ rent in advance
notice to the tenant within the first 12 months of the tenancy
If circumstances do change for a landlord after possession has been sought, they will not be able to re-let the property for a further 12 months from the date when the property became vacant
Landlords will need to register their properties on a new database and fines will be applicable if they do not comply
You will not be able to unreasonably withhold consent for pets.
You will only be able to accept up to one month’s rent in advance
S A F E H A N D S
We have used GTH as Letting Agents and found the whole process amazing, very efficient, friendly and super professional. The whole process was explained to us and we were kept informed every step of the way. We would not hesitate in recommending GTH.
There is obviously a lot more to look at within the Bill. This is a brief overview of what we know will be coming in at some point in 2025.
It is vital that landlords who manage their own properties are aware of the Bill as fines will be implemented should you fail to comply with the new regulations.
If you are thinking of renting or looking for an agent to take over the management of your property or property portfolio, contact your local GTH office.
Now is the time to be talking about future plans and how to navigate your way through this new world with our experienced and knowledgeable team.
WHY CHOOSE US?
As Residential Letting and Managing Agents, we provide a comprehensive property letting service. With a wide network of residential offices spanning Devon, Dorset and Somerset, we have a vital link throughout the West Country
We understand the market, both at national and local levels, giving you well-rounded and expert advice, which includes finding the right tenant for your property
As well as having an extensive online presence to help market your rental property, we also advertise on popular property sites such as Rightmove, Onthemarket, Zoopla and PrimeLocation, as well as our own website
- A happy landlord
