New legislation changes are coming that will affect Landlords – the Renters’ Rights Bill

There is an upcoming change in our sector which is due to be one of the largest changes we will have seen in decades. The Renters’ Rights Bill, which is due to come into force this Summer / Autumn, brings with it many items we need to consider as landlords in general, and some particular items that will affect student landlords.  

The local Leamington market has picked up significantly on our student portfolio this year, and the residential market continues its ongoing buoyancy, so this puts us in a good position to adapt to the incoming sector-wide changes.

We have been keeping very close to this legislation as it has been passing through the House of Commons, and more recently the House of Lords. We are now at a point at which it looks to be coming into effect very close to its current form, with no major amendments anticipated.

Key highlights to consider:

• The end of fixed term agreements – all tenancies to become rolling periodic.
• The end of Section 21 evictions – all evictions will now need to be based on  section 8 (fault) grounds, such as rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
• No payment schedules other than monthly are to be allowed.
• New landlord registration and property registration system to be introduced.
• Tenancies are not to be entered into further than 6 months in advance. ​​​​​​
• Inability to refuse universal credit tenants, families with children, or requests to keep a pet

Based on the changes that this introduces for the way tenancies are entered in to, and managed going forward, we have been working hard to try and mitigate the impacts that the changes have on you as landlords, and we have been looking into solutions which will allow us to operate in an efficient and compliant way, with the changes in mind.

We will be keeping in touch with all landlords over the coming months, to ensure you have the latest updates, and are aware of the upcoming changes. We will also provide more information on the above solutions, for our clients. 

Together, we are confident we can not only overcome the obstacles, but actually use these as an opportunity to improve quality and look to maximise the future potential of your property stock. 

Tara & Co will also be sponsoring the next Landlord Forum on 14th May 2025 where there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss the topic, and also I have recently discussed the Renters’ Rights Bill with Sheldon Bosley Knight on a podcast, which you can watch by clicking here.

We look forward to working with you over the coming months in preparation for the changes.