May of this year marked a significant milestone for tenants and landlords alike as the Government introduced the Renters Reform Bill. With the aim of becoming law by the end of 2023, this bill promises to bring about crucial changes to the rental sector. As a trusted outsourced property management business, we believe it is important to keep informed about these developments for our partners. Here, we have summarised the key proposals that are currently being debated in the House of Lords and House of Commons.
Tenancy Reform:
Fixed-term tenancies are making way for periodic tenancies, which do not have a specified end date. This allows tenants greater flexibility, enabling them to terminate the tenancy by providing two months' notice.
Rent Increases:
Under the new legislation, rent increases will be limited to once per year. Landlords will be required to complete a form and serve it to the tenant with two months' notice before implementing any changes.
End of No-Fault Evictions:
Section 21 'no-fault evictions' will be abolished, ensuring that tenants can no longer be evicted without valid reasons. Landlords will only be able to evict tenants under certain circumstances outlined in section 8 grounds.
Private Rented Sector Ombudsman Portal:
To ensure fair and impartial resolution of disputes, an independent body will oversee the dispute resolution process. This will provide a platform for both tenants and landlords to seek resolution when needed. It is important to note that membership for landlords will be mandatory.
Private Rental Property Portal:
Landlords will have a legal obligation to register themselves and their properties on a new property portal. This platform will facilitate effective communication between landlords and tenants, streamlining the rental process.
Renting with Pets:
Tenants will now have the right to request permission to keep pets in their rented homes. Landlords must consider these requests and cannot unreasonably refuse them.
Additional Measures:
The Renters Reform Bill also includes measures to prevent blanket bans on renting to benefit claimants or families with children. Additionally, it applies the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time, ensuring that rented properties meet minimum quality requirements.
What's Next?
As the Renters Reform Bill progresses through Parliament, we will continue to keep our partners informed about any updates and changes. We understand that navigating these new regulations may require additional support. You can find more information on the government website.
At Branded Bricks we remain committed to providing professional, informed, and friendly property management services. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can adapt to these changes and create a positive and rewarding rental experience for both landlords and tenants.
Post by Jurgita Hales a Branded Bricks Property Manager