Abolition of Section 21 “No Fault” Evictions

Section 21 is abolished. All evictions will use revised Section 8 grounds, with a 12-month protected period at the start of a tenancy for move-in/sale grounds and four months’ notice when those grounds are used.

New ground 4a is specific to student HMOs. Only applies to tenancy agreements with full-time students which are entered into less than six months before the move-in date. The landlords must give four months’ notice (which must expire between 1 June and 30 September), and they must intend to re-let to full-time students.

Single System of Periodic Tenancies

All assured tenancies move to a single periodic model, called ‘section 4a assured periodic tenancies’ in the legislation. Tenancy periods will be the same duration as the period the rent is paid for; in most cases, this will be monthly (which is also the maximum rent period allowed), but rolling weekly tenancies are also possible. There will be no minimum or fixed tenancy term. Tenants can leave with two months’ notice from day one of the tenancy.

Enhanced Tenant Protection

The bill aims to give greater rights and protections to renters, including making it illegal for Landlords to discriminate against prospective Tenants based on benefits or children, and ensuring Landlords address hazards like damp and mould within a specific time.

Measures tackle overt and indirect discrimination against benefit recipients and people with children.

Renting with Pets

Landlords must not unreasonably refuse a request to keep a pet and must respond to requests within 28 days. The UK Government has promised to issue guidance on what is considered reasonable, but it is expected that type of pet and property size can be taken into account, along with head leases.

Limit on Rent in Advance

Upfront rent requests are capped at one month (or 28 days) before a tenancy starts; terms requiring advance payments during the tenancy are unenforceable and now deemed illegal. A tenant can offer rent in advance but this cannot be under duress.

Procedure for Rent Increases

Landlords will only be able to increase rents once a year by following the Section 13 procedure. Tenants retain the right to challenge increases at the First-tier tribunal, which can reduce the rent if it is above market value, and can delay the effective date of an increase if it will cause undue hardship.

New Decent Homes Standard (DHS)

A new DHS will be introduced for the Private Rental Sector, setting minimum standards for housing quality.

Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman

A new ombudsman will be established to resolve disputes between Landlords and Tenants in England.

Private Rented Sector Database

All Landlords will be required to register themselves and their properties on a Private Rented Sector Database.