The majority of the provisions within the Renters’ Rights Act came into force last Friday, and many people now assume landlords can no longer evict tenants. That is not correct.
The reality is that landlords will still be able to regain possession of their property, but the process is changing.
Section 21 “no fault” evictions are being abolished, meaning the focus now shifts to specific legal grounds for possession, such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or a landlord genuinely needing to sell the property or move back in themselves.
If you are concerned about how the changes could affect you, there are some important points to keep in mind.
The reforms do not mean rents will stop rising
|
GETTY
Protect yourself during disputes
Keep everything in writing, pay your rent on time, and document any disagreements or maintenance issues. A clear paper trail can make all the difference if problems arise.
Budget for rent increases
Do not assume the reforms mean rents will stop rising. Rental prices are still driven by supply and demand. If more landlords leave the market because of higher costs or uncertainty, available housing could shrink, and rents may increase further.
Build room into your budget for a potential annual rent rise so you are not caught off guard.
Understand notice periods
Renters will still need to give proper notice and follow the correct process when leaving a property. You cannot simply move out halfway through a rental period without consequences.
Planning to move? Protect yourself
If you intend to leave, serve notice correctly, make sure it is acknowledged, and keep copies of all communication. You may still be liable for rent during the notice period and could face deductions if the property is not left in good condition.
Check your tenancy documents carefully
Make sure your tenancy agreement, deposit protection information, and inventory reports are all accurate and up to date. Errors or missing paperwork can create unnecessary disputes later on.
Keep records of property condition
Take photographs when you move in and when you leave. Report repairs in writing and keep a timeline of when issues were raised and how they were handled.
Another common myth surrounding the new law is that landlords will now be forced to accept pets in every property. In reality, the aim is simply to make it easier for tenants to request a pet.
There is no automatic right to keep one in every home. The Act will also not eliminate rogue landlords overnight. Stronger rules are important, but enforcement will remain the real challenge.
If local councils are under-resourced, poor landlords may still slip through the cracks.
Good landlords have always aimed to do the right thing, but the reforms should make it easier for tenants to challenge unacceptable standards and poor practice.
Errors or missing paperwork can create unnecessary disputes
|
GETTY
Renters deserve greater security and decent living standards, but there is also a risk that reducing supply could push rents even higher.
The intention behind the reforms is to protect responsible tenants while avoiding a court system overwhelmed by lengthy legal disputes.
Property expert Jonathan Rolande is the founder of House Buy Fast.