Renters' Rights Bill
Key Provisions of the Renters Rights Bill
Update correct as of 12th March 2025
1. Abolition of ‘No-Fault’ Evictions (Section 21)
Update correct as of 12th March 2025
1. Abolition of ‘No-Fault’ Evictions (Section 21)
- Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a valid legal reason.
- This aims to give renters more security and reduce the risk of sudden evictions.
- Landlords will need to use Section 8 evictions, which require specific grounds such as rent arrears, property damage, or landlord intention to sell or move in.
- All tenancies will be periodic (rolling contracts), replacing fixed-term agreements.
- Tenants will be able to leave with two months' notice at any time.
- Landlords can still evict, but only under valid legal grounds.
- While tenants get more security, landlords will have stronger legal protections to recover properties if:
- They want to sell the property or move in (or a close family member does).
- The tenant commits serious anti-social behaviour or fails to pay rent.
- Repeated rent arrears can now lead to a faster eviction process.
- The Decent Homes Standard will apply to private rentals, ensuring properties are safe, warm, and free from serious hazards (previously only applied to social housing).
- A Private Renters’ Ombudsman will help resolve disputes without costly legal action.
- A new Landlord Property Portal will require landlords to register and ensure compliance with legal obligations.
- Tenants will have a legal right to request a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
- Landlords can require pet insurance to cover potential damages, protecting both parties.
- Rent increases limited to once per year (instead of every six months).
- Stronger tenant protections against unfair rent hikes, including the ability to challenge increases at a tribunal.
- No blanket bans on tenants receiving benefits (e.g., Universal Credit) or families with children.
- This prevents landlords and letting agents from excluding tenants unfairly.
- For Renters: Greater security, reduced risk of unfair evictions, and better protection against poor housing conditions.
- For Landlords: Clearer eviction rules, an easier process for removing problematic tenants, and incentives to maintain properties to a high standard.
- For the Market: A shift towards more professional property management, reducing rogue landlords while protecting responsible ones.
Please do get in contact with us if you have any questions regarding the Renters Rights Bill or renting out your property by emailing info@pedderproperty.com