New Renters' Rights Bill to Reform Pet Policies and Landlord Duties

The Government has unveiled the Renters' Rights Bill, which largely mirrors the previous Government’s attempt to introduce similar reforms—but with additional changes and updates aimed at strengthening tenant protections and refining landlord responsibilities.
 

Here’s a quick summary of the key points in the Bill:

• No more fixed-term Tenancies: Tenancies will be periodic. Under the proposed Bill, tenants can provide 2 months' notice.
• Abolition of 'No Fault' Section 21 Evictions: Landlords will have stronger Section 8 grounds to regain possession in specific circumstances.
• Awaab’s Law Extended to the Private Rented Sector: There will be strict damp and mould response times.
• Decent Homes Standard: Private rented homes will have to meet the Decent Homes Standard, with severe penalties for non-compliance.
• Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman and Database: Aimed at assisting in tenant-landlord complaint resolution and helping local councils with enforcement against rogue landlords.
• End to Bidding Wars: To make the rental process fairer for tenants.
• Rent Increase Restrictions: Landlords will only be permitted to request yearly rent increases using a formal notice, and tenants will be allowed to challenge increases at the tribunal.
• Right to Keep Pets: Landlords must not unreasonably refuse a request from a tenant to keep a pet, and they must respond to such requests within a specified timeframe. Landlords can request that tenants obtain an insurance policy to cover potential damage, with amendments to be made to the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
• No Discrimination Against Benefits Recipients or Families: Non-compliance can result in fines for landlords.

Changes for Wales:

Whilst most of the provisions in the Bill apply to England only, some changes will apply to Wales. Welsh landlords should be aware that it will be unlawful for them to discriminate against prospective tenants who are either in receipt of benefits or have children. Additional powers will be given to the Welsh Government to expand the list and categories covered. The Welsh Government will set its own timeline for implementing the ban on discriminatory practices.

The Government aims to pass the Bill into law, with changes expected to take effect in summer 2025. Landlords should be ready for these upcoming changes. Relevant documents will be updated in due course. In the meantime, landlords can access our full range of documents available in the Property Folder.