The Renters Reform Bill
The Renters (Reform) Bill was first introduced in Parliament in May 2023 and was designed to shake-up the private rental sector.
The Bill makes big changes for landlords and tenants, and it’s important both parties understand what the legislation means in practice as it is expected to pass into law in summer 2025. Now is the time to prepare for the changes.
What Is The Renters (Reform) Bill?
The Renters (Reform) Bill is a piece of legislation proposed by the UK government in an attempt to modernise and make fairer the balance between landlords and tenants. To rebalance the relationship, there will be greater protections for tenants and allegedly more straightforward processes for landlords.
What Are The Major Changes?
- Section 21 Removal
The removal of Section 21 no-fault evictions notices is of great importance. Until now, landlords could evict a tenant without providing a valid reason. This legislation change will abolish these notices and mean landlords are only able to evict tenants on certain grounds, such as a breach of contract by the tenant or when the landlord is selling the property.
- Decent Homes Standard
The government will apply this standard to the private rental industry for the first time. This standard will ensure all properties available to rent, meet certain criteria.
- Section 8 Change
To make it easier for landlords to claim back properties, Section 8 will be tweaked to make the process fairer, enabling landlords to regain possession more easily in reasonable circumstances.
- Fixed-Term Tenancies Replacement
To give tenants more flexibility, fixed-term tenancies will be replaced with rolling tenancies which mean tenants only need to provide two months’ notice but landlords can only end a contract if there are valid reasons to do so.
- Property Portal For Landlords
Designed to help landlords understand their responsibilities and comply with legal requirements, there will be a new digital portal. The portal will also provide tenants with transparency when choosing a property to rent.
- Property Ombudsman
All private landlords have to join a new property ombudsman service, aiming to provide tenants with a clear route to resolving disputes without the need for court applications.
- Right To Request Keeping A Pet
Under the new legislation, tenants will be able to request permission to keep a pet and landlords must not unreasonably refuse consent for this. Landlords can ask that the tenant takes out insurance to cover having a pet – with the new Bill, pet insurance will become an exception to the rules under the current Tenant Fees Act.
What Impact Will The Bill Have?
The Bill should be a positive change for tenants but many Landlords are concerned. In any event it’s important to understand any new rights and responsibilities as a result of the new legislation.
For Tenants
As a guide, the new Bill will impact tenants in the following ways:
- Extra security that landlords can’t evict without good reason, thanks to the abolition of Section 21
- Greater flexibility thanks to the rolling tenancies
- Easier to complain if needed through the new ombudsman and property portal
For Landlords
As a guide, the new Bill will impact landlords in the following ways:
- Greater emphasis on staying compliant due to the new ombudsman and property portal
- Possibly easier to regain possession in reasonable circumstances (but not just because of expiration of a tenancy).
Helping You With The Renters (Reform) Bill
Our specialist property solicitors are here to support both landlords and tenants through the introduction and beyond of this new Bill.
We can advise on rights and responsibilities for both parties as well as review tenancy agreements, check full compliancy, and assist with dispute resolution.
To speak to us about your rental property needs, you can contact us at our Chorlton office on 0161 860 7123 or email chorlton@hlfberry.com or at our Failsworth office on 0161 681 4005 or email failsworth@hlfberry.com and we will be happy to help.
