Renters' Rights Bill - Our Guide 

Abolishing Section 21: No More No-Fault Evictions

• New guidelines will specify acceptable reasons for eviction, providing tenants with greater security.
• Landlords will have to issue a Section 8 notice citing the valid reason and providing evidence thereof.
• By abolishing Section 21, landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason.

Transition to Periodic Tenancies

• Fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will be replaced with Assured Periodic Tenancies.
• This means that tenancies will continue on a rolling basis until the tenant decides to leave or the landlord establishes a valid reason for possession.
• Expected notice periods are two months notice for tenants, and four months for landlords.

Rental increase

• Tenants will be able to appeal proposed rental increases
• Increases are limited to once per year and capped at market rate
• Rent increase clauses will now be prohibited
• Landlords will now be required to serve a Section 13 notice to increase rent

Rent bidding and market value

• Landlords and agents will be banned from encouraging or accepting rent bids above the advertised price
• Tenants will still be able to offer below advertised price but landlords will not be obliged to accept

Consequences for breach

• The bill will introduce new consequences for landlords who breach the new rules
• Landlords in breach of the law may face enforcement action, including fines and potential bans from operating in the sector

Rent in advance

• Upfront rent payments will now be capped at one months’ rent
• Guarantors will become more important, particular for overseas tenants and those with insufficient credit history

New discrimination laws

• It will be illegal for landlords or agents to have blanket bans on renting to tenants receiving benefits, promoting fairer access to housing

Pets

• Landlords can require pet insurance to cover potential property damages
• Tenants will have the right to request to keep a pet in the property, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse

Decent Homes Standard & Awaab's Law

• Rental properties must meet the minimum quality and safety criteria
• Local authorities will have increased power to enforce these standards

Landlord database, property portal and Ombudsman

• An independent ombudsman for the rental sector will resolve disputes between landlords and tenants, offering an alternative to court proceedings
• Landlords will now be required to join a property portal which will inform landlords of their legal obligations and assist tenants in making informed housing decisions