Renters’ Rights is here, so what now?

Renters’ Rights is here, so what now?

After years of drafting and debate, the Renters’ Rights Act is finally here.

The bulk of the new laws came into effect on May 1, ushering in a new era in the rental sector.

So, how will the Act impact the way landlords operate day to day? Here’s a quick rundown.

Renters’ Rights at a glance

While most of Renters’ Rights has now kicked in, some aspects of the legislation will be rolled out later in 2026 or beyond*.

For now, the key changes to come into effect include an end to:

-          Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions. Instead, landlords must provide a valid reason for repossessing a property.

-          Fixed contracts. All tenancies are now on a rolling basis. Tenants can terminate a tenancy by providing two months’ written notice.

-          Bidding wars. Landlords can’t charge more in rent than the advertised price.

-          Discrimination. It’s illegal to turn down a prospective tenant just because they have children or claim benefits.

-          Multiple rent hikes in a year. You can only increase the rent once a year.

-          A blanket ban on pets. You must give fair consideration to a tenant’s request to keep a pet.

What the changes mean in practice

Many good landlords will find that in reality, things are not so different. They already treat tenants with respect, are careful with rent increases and communicate openly and honestly with them.

What might be different, however, is how you go about things if you need to implement change or make a decision.

For example, if you need to repossess your property, instead of using Section 21, you’ll need to do so under Section 8 and specify why you want the property back.

Or, if a tenant asks to have a pet, you can’t simply give them a flat ‘no’ in response. Now, you’ll need to consider the request and provide a written explanation within 28 days. Reasons for refusal could include the size of the property (a big dog in a studio apartment is impractical) or a freeholder ban on pets.

Key takeaway for landlords

As with anything new, it will take time to adjust to the new regime. But you don’t have to muddle your way through it alone.

A top letting agent will know and understand the legislation. They’ll already be putting it into practice every day. So why not draw on that hands-on experience?

Get help

If you’d like to know more about how we can help you navigate the new legislation, get in touch on 0114 266 0660.

*The government is promising to rollout at database of all rented properties and landlords and introduce a Private Landlord Ombudsmen later this year. We’ll keep you posted on these developments