The government has introduced into law the new Renters’ Rights Act, designed to modernise and simplify the private rented sector in England. The changes aim to give tenants greater security while ensuring that responsible landlords have clear rights and confidence in managing their properties.

Key points of the Act

Simpler tenancy structure

All assured tenancies will become periodic, creating a straightforward and consistent system for both landlords and tenants.

Updated possession grounds

Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions will be replaced by a new framework of fair possession grounds. This will ensure that landlords can regain possession in reasonable circumstances, such as when selling the property, undertaking redevelopment, or where tenants have breached their agreement, while providing tenants with greater stability.

Rent increase changes

Tenants will be able to challenge rent increases they believe to be excessive. This will ensure transparency and fairness in rent reviews and disputes.

New Private Rented Sector Ombudsman

A new, impartial Ombudsman will handle complaints quickly and fairly. This will help landlords resolve issues efficiently without the need for lengthy legal proceedings. You can read more about how to effectively prepare for the Property Portal and Ombudsman here.

Comprehensive Private Rented Sector Database

A new digital database will help landlords stay informed about their legal obligations and demonstrate compliance. It will also make it easier for responsible landlords to distinguish themselves from rogue operators, while giving tenants access to accurate information before entering into a tenancy.

Pet requests and reasonable conditions

Tenants will have a clearer right to request a pet, which landlords must consider reasonably. We've shared a dedicated blog about how to protect your property value with the new pet requirements for landlords.

Application of the Decent Homes Standard

The Decent Homes Standard will be extended to the private rented sector to help maintain good-quality housing, protect property values and support professional standards.

Awaab’s Law

Landlords will be required to act within defined timeframes to remedy serious hazards, ensuring properties remain safe and compliant.

You can check out our dedicated blog on Awaab's Law here.

Fair access to housing

It will become illegal to discriminate against tenants with children or those in receipt of benefits. This measure aims to ensure fairness and consistency in access to rented homes.

End to rental bidding

To promote transparency, landlords and agents must advertise a clear asking rent and cannot accept bids above this amount.

Stronger local enforcement and penalties

Local authorities will have enhanced powers and clearer reporting requirements to improve enforcement against non-compliant landlords. This will help protect the reputation of responsible landlords and maintain professional standards in the sector.

Revised rent repayment orders

Penalties for serious breaches will be strengthened, with higher maximum fines for repeat offenders. Key takeaways

For landlords, one of the key takeaways of the new legislation will be the increased focus on compliance. Being able to demonstrate compliance regarding tenant communications for maintenance and repairs, rent updates, and anything that could potentially be the subject of debate in future will save a lot of time in the present, and potentially a lot of money and stress in future. togetha offers landlords and letting agents an automatically audit-ready platform to handle all property management essentials, with secure document storage in togetha's encrypted Vault, and timestamped communications with tenants, alongside automated reminders for essential items including EPC renewals. Book your free 20 minute demo today and see how much easier togetha can make property management for you.