The Renters’ Rights Bill 2024 marks a significant shift in the UK’s private rental sector, aiming to provide Tenants with greater security and improved living conditions whilst setting clearer legal standards and expectations for Landlords.

The Bill was introduced by the government in September 2024 and the bill seeks to address longstanding issues such as arbitrary evictions, escalating rents, and substandard housing.

What is changing?

The Renters’ Rights Bill will:

1. Abolish section 21 evictions and move to a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies are periodic – providing more security for Tenants and empowering them to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction. This is going to be implemented in one stage, giving all Tenants immediate security.
2. End the practice of rental bidding by prohibiting Landlords and agents from asking for or accepting offers above the advertised rent, it will soon be illegal to accept offers made above this rate.
3. Ensure possession grounds are fair to both parties, giving Tenants more security, while ensuring Landlords can recover their property when reasonable. This includes new safeguards for Tenants, giving them more time to find a home if Landlords evict to move in or sell.
4. Give Tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property, which the Landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse. To support this, Landlords will be able to require pet insurance to cover any damage to their property.
5. Provide stronger protections against backdoor eviction by ensuring Tenants can appeal excessive above-market rents which are implemented to force them out of occupation.
6. Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman that will provide a quick, fair, impartial and binding resolution for Tenants’ complaints about their Landlord.
7. Create a Private Rented Sector Database to help Landlords understand their legal obligations and demonstrate compliance, whilst providing better information to Tenants to make informed decisions when entering into a tenancy agreement.
8. Apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector to give renters safer, better value homes and remove the blight of poor-quality homes in local communities.
9. Apply ‘Awaab’s Law’ to the sector, setting clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which Landlords in the private rented sector must take action to make homes safe where they contain serious hazards.
10. Make it illegal for Landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective Tenants in receipt of benefits or with children.
11. Strengthen local authority enforcement by expanding civil penalties, introducing a package of investigatory powers and bringing in a new requirement for local authorities to report on enforcement activity.
12. Strengthen rent repayment orders by extending them to superior Landlords, doubling the maximum penalty and ensuring repeat offenders must repay the maximum amount.

What can I do?

If you are a Tenant or Landlord concerned about how the proposed changes in the Renters’ Rights Bill 2024 may impact your current or upcoming tenancy arrangements, we at Carr & Co are here to help.

With a wealth of experience in Landlord and Tenant Law, our friendly, dedicated team offers clear and practical legal advice tailored to your needs. Whether you’re navigating a Tenancy Dispute, negotiating a new Lease, or seeking guidance on your rights and responsibilities, we can act on your behalf to ensure your interests are protected every step of the way. If you require any assistance on these matters, please email us at hello@carrandcosolicitors.com or call us on 01670 351 251.