Landlords, don’t ignore important changes to the private rental sector coming this year!

There are huge changes in the private rental sector, and while they haven’t all been sealed, we felt it was the right time to inform you of the major changes on the way.

Landlords, are you Prepared?

The Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to become law in 2025 bringing with it significant changes for the private rental sector. Thomas Merrifield has been closely following the bill and its implications and is well prepared to navigate these significant changes for you.

Now is the time to protect your investment with our help.
Going it alone is a risky strategy!

As a landlord, you may be asking, how can you protect your investment? If you are a let-only customer, now is the time to upgrade to a full property management service. We take responsibility for full compliance with new legislation, giving you peace of mind that your property let still works for you.

We will secure and retain a better standard of tenant, deal directly with the tenant, carry out any repairs promptly and make sure properties are let quickly when a tenant serves notice. And when you want to take possession, we can advise on your options.

Main changes and our solutions:

CHANGE 1

Fixed term ASTs to end

All fixed term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) will become periodic, which means a rolling tenancy with no specific end date and the tenant giving two months’ notice at any time.

We will market the property as soon as the tenant serves notice to make sure the property is re-let quickly.

Change 2

Annual rent increases

Rent increases will be limited to once a year. Using a Section 13 notice will be the only way for landlords to raise the rent.

We will be prepared with a fair annual rent review aligned with local market rates.

Change 3

The end of Section 21

Section 21 evictions will be abolished so landlords will no longer be able to serve “no-fault” notices to regain possession of their properties, instead using Section 8 based on specific legal grounds, mandatory or discretionary.

We can guide landlords and advise them on how to apply the correct grounds and notice period. We will find the highest quality tenant from the outset with robust referencing from employers and former landlords to avoid potential problems.

Change 4

Inclusive lettings

Prohibiting discrimination. Landlords will not be able to refuse tenants on benefits, with children or pets.

We will advise landlords on their position and can recommend an insurance policy to cover potential pet damage.

Change 5

New Landlord register

Landlord register implemented with information about landlords and properties as well as any enforcement action taken out against them, and previous eviction notices served to tenants.

We will make sure our managed landlords meet requirements of the database.

Change 6

Fair dispute resolution

Landlord ombudsman will be introduced to help resolve disputes between landlords and tenants impartially.

We will assist landlords with any fair dispute resolutions.

Change 7

No rent in advance

Landlords will be banned from charging more than one month’s rent upfront, and students can no longer be locked into rental agreements more than six months in advance.

We will ensure that tenants meet strict referencing, negating the need for rent advances, and we will remarket student properties within required timescales.

LANDLORDS, ACT NOW!

As these significant reforms become law, Thomas Merrifield’s full property management service will help protect your investment. We advise landlords to urgently consider these changes and contact our letting teams for more information on how we can help.

If you feel your current letting agent is not up to date with these changes, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on 01865 515 900 or fill in the form below.