UK Renters' Rights Bill set to transform the rental market
- Tailor My Property
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
Currently on track to become law before Parliament's summer recess in July, the Renters’ Rights Bill is the most significant reform of the private rented sector since the Housing Act in 1988, and has wide-ranging implications for landlords, tenants, investors and letting agents alike.
Below we break down how the Bill is set to impact the rental market.
The removal of no-fault evictions
Once the Renters’ Rights Bill comes into effect, serving Section 8 notices will be the only way that landlords can evict tenants, removing no-fault evictions as a way of doing so.
No-fault evictions occur when a landlord evicts a tenant without giving a specific reason, often through section 21 notices, and are possible even if the tenant was paying rent on time and following the terms of the tenancy agreement. Under the new Bill landlords have to provide a valid reason like non-payment of rent or a breach of the tenancy agreement if they want to evict a tenant.
That said, landlords can still vacate the rental property in order to sell, move family in or do major renovations, they just can't do it within the first six months of a tenancy.
Removing ‘rogue’ landlords from the market
A key part of the Renters’ Reform Bill is the introduction of a national database of landlords and property agents which will name those who have committed breaches, making it easier to track problematic landlords. Additionally, landlords who are found in violation of the new rules or who engage in unethical practices will face punishment like substantial fines or even a ban from renting out properties.
The introduction of a landlord ombudsman
The Bill also introduces a new landlord ombudsman, offering a fair and impartial resolution service for rental property disputes. The new ombudsman will provide an independent service for complaints about issues ranging from unfair rent increases and illegal eviction attempts to maintenance and safety issues.
If tenants are unable to resolve these issues directly with their landlord or agent, they will have access to the ombudsman service to mediate and make a final decision without having to go to court.
Properties need to meet a certain standard
The Bill also aims to strengthen regulations around property living conditions and maintenance, requiring landlords to keep their properties in safe and good repair. Local authorities will now have the power to enforce these set standards, and landlords who fail to comply could face fines, or in extreme cases, be blacklisted from renting out properties.
Rent increases will be restricted
Under the current system landlords can raise rent in several ways, including rent review clauses, renewing fixed-term tenancies, and mutual written agreements during the tenancy. However, with the abolition of fixed-term tenancies, Section 13 notices will now be the only way to raise rent and can only be served once per year.
With the introduction of the new system rent increases must be in line with market conditions and can’t be ‘excessive’, meaning that landlords have to show that the new rent is ‘reasonable’ based on local market norms. Landlords also need to provide a valid reason for any rent increase, such as improvements in the property, changes in the local rental market, or rising costs, and tenants will have the right to challenge unreasonable increases.
Ultimately the new protections offered by the Bill mean that tenants will receive better treatment and enjoy healthier renting experiences, likely leading to more renters trusting the market and landlords, and becoming reliable long term tenants once settled in a property.
If you’re a current landlord or looking to explore the buy-to-let market as an investor but aren’t sure how to navigate the changing market, Tailor my Property has a professional network of property, finance and investment professionals who can assist with strategies suited to your individual needs.
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