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 Renters Reform Bill will abolish the Section 21 Notice which allows a landlord to evict tenants at the end of a fixed term without good reason.

The changes to the law – designed to protect the UK’s 11 million tenants and provide them with safer, fairer and higher quality homes – will bring in greater restrictions on landlords whose reasons for wanting to evict their tenants do not meet a certain criteria.

The Bill is currently going through Parliament and is expected to become law next year.

The new laws were designed to crack down on no-fault evictions.

The main change is that a landlord cannot ask a tenant to leave if, for example, they want to move a friend into their property, or if for any reason they just don’t like them.

The only way they can evict their tenants who are “not at fault”, is if they want to live there themselves, or move an immediate family member in, or if they want to sell the property. Even then, it will not be a quick process, because, if a landlord wishes to move into the property themselves, they cannot serve notice within the first 6 months of the tenancy.

The changes will also allow tenancies to roll month by month meaning landlords who previously were entitled to six or 12 months’ tenancies will now be periodic and determined by the frequency that rent is paid. This gives tenants much more flexibility, and removes the security for landlords knowing they have a tenant in situ for 6/12 months.

The reforms will give more rights to tenants who want to keep pets too. Under current legislation a blanket ban on all pets is allowed. Most landlords take advantage of the ban for fear of potential damage caused by the animals to the property.

Under new proposals, still be discussed, a tenant has the right to request to keep a pet and the landlord will have no right to refuse the request without good reason. However, they may ask their tenant to cover pet insurance and home insurance to cover any damage.

Tenants who fall behind with the rent or who are causing anti-social behaviour are not protected by the laws and may still be evicted by their landlord in the usual way under the section 8 notice regime.

The new reforms will give tenants more protection but restricts what landlords can do with their own properties.

There are expected to be some exceptions such as private student lets, though this is yet to be confirmed.

If you are a Residential Landlord looking for advice on this issue or any other, please get in touch with our expert team.

The post Proposed Tenancy Reforms….. A Headache For Landlords appeared first on Brindley Twist Tafft & James.

In some cases, residential landlords have decided to sell their rental properties. In a large number of transactions, the sale of the property is subject to vacant possession i.e. no tenants in the property.

What happens when your are thinking of selling your rental property but you have tenants living there?

Evicting your tenant

In ending an assured shorthold tenancy, notice periods apply. A Section 21 Notice (commonly known as a no-fault eviction) requires 2 months’ notice to the tenant. Other types of notice offer differing notice periods depending on the circumstances.

Should the tenant not surrender the property by the end of the notice period. Possession proceedings would be necessary, and it is difficult to predict how long it would take to obtain a possession order, especially if the case becomes defended.

It is necessary to keep this in mind when considering selling your property.

Where possible, informing your tenant of your intention to sell the property and then serving a notice to end a tenancy as you place the property on the market may start the process sooner and assist you in avoiding delays to the completion of your sale.

Residential Landlord thinking of selling your rental property? Contact us to discuss our full range of Landlord Legal Services and see how we can help.

Article written by Conveyancing Solicitor Mark Cooper

The post Selling your rental property appeared first on Brindley Twist Tafft & James.