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The UK government is introducing major reforms that will impact all landlords.
From the removal of Section 21 to the introduction of mandatory property registration, staying ahead of these changes is essential.
Our experienced team will guide you through what’s changing and help you stay compliant while protecting your rental income.
Complete the form to receive your free Landlord Compliance Check and get clear guidance on what you need to do next.
The Renters’ Rights Act has now been passed into law, bringing significant changes for landlords across the UK. These reforms introduce greater responsibility, increased regulation and a more complex compliance landscape. Below is an overview of some of the key changes:
✅ Fixed-term tenancies abolished
✅ Section 21 removed
✅ Changes to rent increases
✅ Decent Homes Standard
✅ Updated pet policies
✅ Landlord registration and Ombudsman scheme
✅ Increased civil penalties
✅ New rules on rent reviews
The government is replacing fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) with a new system based on periodic agreements.
Key Changes:
✅ No more fixed-term tenancy agreements
Landlords will no longer be able to offer fixed-term ASTs.
✅ All tenancies become periodic
New agreements will automatically be rolling, with no fixed end date.
✅ Greater flexibility for tenants
Tenants will be able to leave at any time by giving two months’ notice.
The removal of Section 21 marks a significant shift in how landlords regain possession of their properties. Moving forward, evictions without a valid reason will no longer be permitted.
Key Changes:
✅ Valid grounds required for possession
Landlords must provide a legally recognised reason to regain possession of a property.
✅ Section 8 becomes the primary route
All evictions will need to follow the Section 8 process, based on specific legal grounds.
✅ Increased security for tenants
Tenants will have greater protection and cannot be asked to leave without just cause.
The rules surrounding Section 8 evictions are being tightened, with longer notice periods and more clearly defined grounds for possession. These changes are designed to create a more structured and regulated process.
Key Updates:
✅ Higher threshold for rent arrears
In many cases, tenants will need to be at least three months in arrears before action can be taken.
✅ Longer notice periods
The notice period for rent arrears is expected to increase from two weeks to four weeks.
✅ Clearer grounds for possession
More defined rules will apply, including strengthened provisions for dealing with anti-social behaviour.
✅ More structured legal process
Evictions will follow a more formalised process, with greater protections in place for tenants.
Minimum standards for rental properties are being raised, with greater expectations placed on landlords to maintain safe, well-presented and energy-efficient homes. Failing to meet these standards could result in increased enforcement and penalties.
Key Changes:
✅ Stricter rules on damp and mould
Landlords will be required to address issues such as damp, mould and poor insulation more proactively.
✅ Improved heating and ventilation standards
Systems must meet higher efficiency requirements to ensure properties are suitable for modern living.
✅ Greater penalties for non-compliance
Landlords who fail to meet safety and maintenance standards face stronger enforcement and financial penalties.
New legislation will change how landlords handle pet requests and strengthen protections around tenant rights. These updates aim to create a fairer and more consistent approach across the rental sector.
Key Changes:
✅ Pets cannot be unreasonably refused
Landlords will need a valid reason to decline a tenant’s request to keep a pet.
✅ Stronger protections for tenants
Enhanced anti-discrimination measures will apply, particularly for tenants with disabilities.
✅ Updates to tenancy agreements
Existing agreements may need to be reviewed and amended to reflect the new requirements.
New regulations will introduce mandatory registration for all landlords, along with a requirement to join an approved redress scheme. These changes are designed to improve transparency and provide a clearer framework for resolving disputes.
Key Changes:
✅ Mandatory property registration
All landlords will be required to register each rental property on the new system.
✅ Ombudsman membership required
Joining the Landlord Ombudsman scheme will become a legal requirement.
✅ Formalised dispute resolution
Disputes will be handled through a structured process within the ombudsman framework.
Financial penalties for non-compliance are being increased, giving local authorities stronger powers to enforce regulations without the need for court action. This raises the stakes for landlords who fail to meet their legal obligations.
Key Changes:
✅ Higher maximum penalties
The maximum civil fine will increase from £30,000 to £40,000.
✅ Wider enforcement powers
Councils will be able to issue civil penalties for a broader range of offences.
✅ Penalties for illegal evictions
Local authorities will be able to impose fines for illegal evictions without going through the courts.
The Renters’ Rights Act will introduce new limits on how and when rent can be increased. These changes are designed to create a more consistent and transparent approach, while ensuring landlords remain compliant.
Current methods of increasing rent:
✅ Rent review clauses
A rent review clause can be included within the tenancy agreement, setting out how and when increases may take place.
✅ Mutual agreement
Rent can be increased at any time if both landlord and tenant agree, typically through a new agreement or formal variation.
✅ Statutory notice
A Section 13 notice can be served once in any 12-month period, giving tenants at least two months’ notice of the proposed increase.
We’ve been working closely with industry experts at Propertymark to ensure our landlords are fully prepared for the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act. Our team is trained and up to date with the latest requirements, so you can be confident you’re getting accurate, practical advice.
The upcoming changes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Click the link below to receive your free Landlord Compliance Check and take the guesswork out of the Renters’ Rights Act.