So what are the key measures of the Act?

• Existing assured tenancies (fixed term and periodic) will convert to periodic assured tenancies. This means that by default all tenancies will become periodic (rolling) tenancies. With all tenancies being periodic, tenants can decide to end their tenancy by giving just two months’ notice.
• No new fixed term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) can be granted.
• Section 21 “no fault” eviction notices can no longer be served, meaning landlords can no longer evict tenants without providing a valid ground.
• Limits on rent increases. Rents will be increased by landlords once every twelve months, to the open market rent only.
• Prohibition on rental bidding wars.
• Anti-discriminatory measures (prohibiting refusals based on benefits or children).
• Tenants will have the right to request they rent with a pet and permission cannot be unreasonably withheld by the landlord. Landlords cannot require insurance to cover pet damage or increase the deposit for additional risk.
• New regulatory framework.
• Enhanced enforcement powers for local authorities.

Further parts of the Act will be implemented later in 2026 although there is plenty of food for thought for landlords in the meantime, particularly the implications of extended notice periods and restrictions on regaining the property when deciding whether to sell, move back in or renew existing tenancy agreements.

Article written by Property Solicitor Ben James

The post Renters Rights Act appeared first on Brindley Twist Tafft & James.

The government are proposing several changes to the private rental sector which will see Section 21 Notices being abolished, the introduction of ‘Awaab’s Law’ to enable tenants to challenge dangerous living conditions, the introduction of a ‘Decent Homes Standard’ and much more.

At present, a landlord can, subject to compliance with statutory requirements, serve a Section 21 Notice with a view to regaining possession of their rented property without the tenant being at fault. The proposed legislation will ban no fault evictions for new and existing tenancies requiring landlords to provide a valid cause to end a tenancy.

The Renters’ Rights Bill also aims to put an end to bad practices such as landlords and letting agents forcing bidding wars to drive up rents and mid-tenancy rent increases.

Landlords and letting agents will be legally required to publish an asking rent for their property and will be banned from asking for, encouraging or accepting any bids above this price and will only be allowed to raise the rent once a year, to market rate.

The Renters’ Rights Bill will also make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants in receipt of benefits or those with children.

The Bill is also expected to allow tenants to end rental agreements with just two months’ notice from the first day they move in.

Tenants will still be at risk of eviction if they do not pay their rent, cause serious damage or engage in antisocial behaviour and landlords will be able to take possession if they want to sell the property or move in.

The ban could come into force as soon as next summer.

If you are a landlord, letting agent or tenant who requires advice or assistance regarding your rental property, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Residential Landlord Services team.

Article written by Litigation Solicitor, Lauren Robinson.

The post The end of ‘no fault’ evictions? appeared first on Brindley Twist Tafft & James.

The Renters Reform Bill is currently passing through Parliament, which was in local news this week, regarding the changes to section 21 notices. The legislation aims to help 11 million tenants benefit from safer, fairer and higher quality homes, which will also empower tenants to challenge poor landlords without fear of losing their home.

The exact changes to the eviction process are yet to be confirmed, but they likely mean that landlords will only be able to serve notice on tenants in specific circumstances, such as instances of anti-social behaviour or when they wish to sell the property or when they or a close family member want to move in, after six months.

The bill also makes it easier for landlords to repossess their properties in cases of anti-social behaviour or where the tenant repeatedly fails to pay rent.

What happens next?

The bill will need to pass through parliament before becoming law. 

With the government’s proposals now revealed, it will start its journey through the House of Commons and House of Lords, before receiving Royal Assent which is when it formally passes into law.

This process will likely take months, so the reforms may not be implemented until 2024.

Please contact us to discuss our full range of Landlord Legal Services and see how we can help.

The post How do I evict a tenant once the new legislation passes? appeared first on Brindley Twist Tafft & James.