Landlord Update

Landlords, you have probably heard by now that the Renters’ Rights Bill was published yesterday and introduced to Parliament. 

So, what is proposed?  Here’s an overview of the key measures:

• End fixed-term tenancies and move to rolling periodic tenancies.
• Tenants will be able to stay in their home until they decide to end the tenancy by giving two months’ notice or the landlord can evidence a valid ground for possession. Landlords will need to give four months’ notice to move in or sell the property, but there is a 12-month protected period for tenants at the beginning of a tenancy.
• There will be a single date after Royal Assent and Commencement for the removal of Section 21 evictions, which is not dependent on court reform happening first.
• A new ground for possession which will allow landlords renting to students in HMOs to seek possession ahead of each new academic year.
• Rent Repayment Orders will be expanded so they are wider in scope and for repeat offenders, and fines will be increased in line with inflation.
• A ban on rental bidding wars with letting agents and landlords to be legally required to publish rent for their property and then unable to ask or accept any bids above this price.
• Ban on in-tenancy rent increases written in to contracts, with landlords only allowed to raise the rent once a year, and to the market rate.

As ARLA PropertyMark Members we will keep you informed over the coming months as the Bill progresses through Parliament.  If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime please get in touch.

To read the full guide:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-bill/82ffc7fb-64b0-4af5-a72e-c24701a5f12a

Call: 01489 579009 or email: lettings@robinsonreade.co.uk