A new tenancy regime (with no fixed terms)
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.
Eviction grounds
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ban on rental discrimination
Measures tackle overt and indirect discrimination against benefit recipients and people with children. In Wales and Scotland, this element will operate via their own frameworks.
If you would like to look at the new legislation on full please see the following link – Guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill – GOV.UK
The team at Pure lettings remain committed to keeping our landlords up to date with the new legislation. Further detailed updates are to follow shortly. In the meantime however please feel free to contact Lee Bilbrough if you have any specific questions on this issue – lee@purepropertylettings.co.uk