All Change for Those in Private Rented Accommodation - The Renters Rights Act is Here

The rights of private tenants are about to change, from 1^st May, with the implementation of the Renters Rights Act.

These changes are important and anyone who rents privately, and landlords as well, needs to understand them. The changes will impact every part of the landlord-tenant relationship, from tenancy types and grounds for eviction, to challenging rent increases and tenant discrimination.

Below are the top ten key features of the Act that will come into play immediately from 1^st May:

1. All new and existing tenancies will become ‘periodic tenancies’, meaning there will be no minimum tenancy term and no fixed term tenancies. This is particularly important to note for anyone currently on a fixed term tenancy or in the process of being offered a fixed term tenancy.

2. To leave, tenants will be required to give 2 months’ notice to quit at any time unless landlord and tenant (all tenants in a shared property) agree in writing to a shorter period.

3. ‘Section 21’ evictions, otherwise known as ‘no-fault’ evictions, will be abolished. This means that landlords cannot evict tenants for no reason or in revenge for some perceived slight (like the tenant making a complaint or demanding repairs and maintenance). Though this is a positive step, landlords will still be allowed to evict tenants for other reasons, some of them new.

4. Requiring ‘rent in advance’ will be banned.

5. Encouraging, inviting or accepting bidding on available properties will be banned.

6. Tenants will have the right to challenge rents in the first 6 months of a tenancy if they feel they have been set above market rent levels and, after that initial period, can challenge rent increases on the same grounds. These disputes will be referred to a ‘First Tier Tribunal’ for adjudication.

7. Landlords will not be allowed to automatically reject a potential tenant because they have a pet or have children.

8. Landlords, also, will not be able to discriminate directly against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits, though they can reject possible tenants if it is believed they can’t afford the rent.

9. Landlords will be required to give all tenants a ‘written statement’ of the terms of their tenancy; though it is not yet clear in what form this statement must be delivered.

10. Local authorities will have enhanced powers to enforce all aspects of the Act and a legal duty to do so.

Some changes, such as new responsibilities for landlords to respond quickly to tenant reports of mould and damp (Awaab’s Law), are already being implemented.

Other changes are being implemented on a delayed schedule over the next few years, such as the implementation of the ‘Decent Homes Standard’ to improve basic housing quality standards, and the creation of a new Private Rented Housing Ombudsman.

For a general review of the Act, and what it means for you, read our blog at wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/the-renters-rights-act-is-here-but-the-work-is-just-beginning-1308fb226853.

For a more detailed official guide to the Act go to www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act.

If you feel you need in-person advice on housing issues, call us on 0808 250 5715. The rules around private rented sector housing are changing now. Make sure you are aware of them.

By Ed Hodson

Citizens Advice South Warwickshire - Citizens Advice working in partnership across Warwickshire