Thu, 13 July 2023 | Legislation


We have seen a step forward with the introduction of the much-discussed Renters Reform Bill having been introduced into parliament this month, it is important to note that we are a long any way off new legislation been introduced given it is yet to make its way through the House of Commons and Lords before finally being granted Royal Assent, it is most likely that we will see this introduced in summer 2024 for new tenancies and Autum 2024 for exiting tenancies.

What does the future look like...

  • End of Section 21 Notices – to be replaced with Section 8 notices currently only used for breach of tenancy, new grounds are to be added to allow possession to be sought due to a landlord’s desire to sell or have themselves or family members move back into the property, there will also be a new strengthened grounds to allow for notice for tenant with more than 2 months of arrears on at least 3 occasions in three years.
  • Periodic Tenancies – there will be no more fixed term agreements as we have now, all tenancies will become periodic (month by month rolling contracts) with tenants having the ability to give 2 months’ notice at any time during the tenancy.
  • Pets in Tenancies – tenants will have the right to request a pet at the property and a landlord will only be able to refusal on specific grounds such as purpose-built apartment blocks with headleases not permitting pets, the good news is that the government will make way for a tenant’s requirement to pay for pet insurance to cover any damages.
  • Rent Increase – a rent increase may be granted every 12 months providing 2 months’ notice to the tenant.

Many landlords are worried that control of their investment will be taken away from them and are considering their options, I promise you there is no need to panic, the government have allowed for strengthened grounds to protect you against non-paying tenants and anti – social behaviour, you will have opportunity to regain possession should you need to do so , let’s look at the positives .. landlords are currently experiencing the highest rental prices ever seen with increased choice of quality tenants … there will always be a demand for rental properties and therefore a continued safe investment for landlords.

If you are worries about how this changing legislation may impact, you please feel free to contact me directly by email on jkay@prospect.co.uk or phone me on 0118 955 9740.