The Renters’ Rights Act has come into force in England, introducing some of the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in England that have been seen in decades.

The legislation strengthens tenant protections, bringing in “new requirements around property standards and landlord accountability,” commented the Government, launching the Act. As well as being compelled to join the national Ombudsman scheme, landlords must also meet the Decent Homes Standard and existing Awaab’s Law provisions.  

The Act also abolishes ‘no-fault’ (Section 21) evictions, moves all tenancies from fixed-term assured shortholds to rolling periodic agreements, and ”outlaws rental bidding wars,” by forbidding bids for tenancies above the advertised rent, said the Government. Under the new rules, landlords must provide valid legal grounds for eviction and, in cases where they intend to sell or move into the property, they must give at least four months’ notice and follow Section 8 grounds – and no eviction notices can be issued within the first 12 months of a tenancy.

Further implications for landlords include: 

• Rent increases limited to once per year, require two months’ notice, and must reflect market rates
• Landlords “must not unreasonably refuse pets,” and “cannot discriminate against” tenants with children or those in receipt of benefits
• Will be required to join a national Ombudsman scheme and register on a private rented sector database, with penalties of up to £40,000 for non-compliance
• Homes must meet the Decent Homes Standard, with stricter timelines for addressing hazards, including damp and mould under Awaab’s Law.

Further details on the Act are available via the UK Government’s official guidance.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act