Important Update for Landlords: The Renter’s Rights Act
The upcoming Renter’s Rights Act will bring significant changes to the private rental sector (PRS), imposing new responsibilities on landlords. As your trusted agent we want to ensure you are fully informed and prepared for these changes. Below is a straightforward breakdown of what you need to know based on information following the Bill's passage through both Houses.
Please be aware this IS going to happen in 2025 so Landlords and Tenants alike please do not enter into long, fixed term tenancies now - tenancy length will be taken out of your hands once this Act becomes a Law.
Once we have confirmation of what is finally deided by the Government we will update you again.
Requirements Before Letting Your Property
Before you let a property, you must comply with the following new and existing requirements:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Register with the PRS Landlord Ombudsman (details pending) | New |
| Maintain an active registration with the PRS Database for both landlord and property | New |
| Advertise the property with the "proposed rent" clearly stated | New |
| Must not accept offers above the proposed rent | New |
| Cannot let or market the property within the restricted period after using Ground 1 or 1A (12 months) | New |
| Listings must not state “No DSS” or similar | New |
| Rental period must not exceed a calendar month | New |
| Cannot accept rent before the tenancy agreement is signed | New |
| Property must meet the Decent Homes Standard (details pending) | New |
| Tenancy deposits (up to 5 weeks) must be placed in an authorised scheme within 30 days | No change |
| Provide tenants with a written statement outlining key tenancy details before the agreement is signed | New |
| Can refuse tenants with pets, but only with a valid reason | No change |
| If allowing pets, tenants may be required to pay for or take out insurance covering pet damage | New |
|
Tenancies must be Assured Tenancies, with no fixed term, and cannot be ended outside of Section 8 rules |
New |
| Provide tenants with valid Gas Safety Certificate, EICR, and EPC | No change |
| Provide the latest "How to Rent" checklist | No change |
Ongoing Compliance After Letting Your Property
Once tenants move in, landlords must ensure continued compliance with the following:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| All existing tenancies will become periodic | New |
| Rent increases must be done via Section 13; rent review clauses cannot be used | New |
| Update the Landlord Database whenever details change | New |
| Renew Gas Safety Certificates and EICRs as required | No change |
| Check carbon monoxide and smoke alarms annually (more often for HMOs) | No change |
| Fixed-term tenancy renewals will no longer be allowed | New |
| Property must continuously meet the Decent Homes Standard | New |
| Respond to reports of serious hazards within required timeframes (Awaab’s Law) | New |
| Respond to written pet requests within 28 days, and refusals must have reasonable grounds | New |
| Continue to comply with selective and additional licensing requirements | No change |
| Do not attempt to end tenancies outside of Section 8 rules (Section 21 will no longer apply) | New |
Timing and what will be required on "Day 1"
The Government has indicated that the new tenancy rules will come into effect simultaneously for new and existing tenancies. While originally expected in summer 2025, delays in legislation mean the likely implementation date is October 2025 at the earliest.
Landlords may need to provide tenants with updated documentation explaining how their contracts have changed. Key changes include:
-
Fixed-term tenancies becoming periodic immediately.
-
Rent review clauses becoming invalid.
-
A new "How to Rent" guide to be issued by landlords to tenants.
While some details, including Decent Homes Standards and Awaab’s Law requirements, are still being finalised, landlords should prepare for stricter regulations and compliance obligations.
In Conclusion
While these changes bring new responsibilities, staying ahead of compliance will help you avoid penalties and ensure a smooth transition. As always, Finlay Brewer are here to assist you with navigating these changes and ensuring your property remains compliant. Our Lettings and Property Management Teams are both having regular updates as the Bill passes through Parliament and we will be on hand to assist our Landlords when the Bill becomes an Act.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please reach out—we are happy to help!
