The Renters’ Rights Bill has officially become the Renters’ Rights Act following Royal Assent, marking a significant milestone in housing reform. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has welcomed the news but stresses that the government must ensure the legislation benefits both renters and landlords.
NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle described the Act as the most substantial change to the rental market in nearly four decades. He emphasised the need for the government to provide clarity and ensure that the implementation process is fair, balanced, and achievable for all parties involved.
Beadle also urged the government to engage constructively with landlords, particularly regarding timelines for student accommodation, which requires clear guidance well before the next academic year. He noted that the sector needs at least six months’ notice before the new rules take effect to allow for a smooth transition.
The NRLA warned that poorly executed reforms could worsen the housing supply crisis by deterring investment in rental homes. The association called on the government to support a thriving private rented sector, which is essential for meeting housing demand and supporting the wider economy.
As part of its recommendations, the NRLA has asked for continuous monitoring of how the new rules impact both landlords and tenants, with transparent reporting of the findings to ensure accountability and fairness.
While the government has yet to confirm the implementation dates for the new measures, these are expected soon.
Key features of the Renters’ Rights Act include the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, meaning landlords can no longer evict tenants without providing a valid reason. Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced with rolling periodic agreements, giving tenants more flexibility to end their tenancies with two months’ notice.
The Act also bans rent bidding wars, preventing landlords and agents from accepting offers above the advertised rent. In addition, rent increases will be limited to once per year, with landlords required to give tenants at least two months’ notice. Tenants can also challenge unfair rent rises through a tribunal.
Other provisions include legal protections against discrimination for tenants with children or those receiving benefits, as well as the extension of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rental sector to ensure quality living conditions.
A new national landlord database will be introduced to enhance transparency between tenants and landlords. Moreover, tenants will now have the right to request a pet in their rental property, and landlords must provide valid reasons if they wish to refuse.
This sweeping reform represents a new era for the UK’s private rental market. However, its success will largely depend on how well the government balances tenant protections with the need to sustain landlord confidence and long-term investment.
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