Renters Rights Bill

The Renters (Reform) Bill, while aimed at improving the lives of England’s 11 million private renters, introduces significant changes that landlords need to be aware of. This bill aims to reshape the private rental market, impacting everything from evictions to pet policies. For landlords, understanding these changes is important, to be able to navigate the evolving landscape.

Source: Gov.uk

The bill introduces measures to regulate rent prices, putting an end to the practice of rental bidding. Landlords and agents will be prohibited from asking for, or accepting offers above the advertised rent. The bill also places greater emphasis on the quality and safety of rental properties, setting clear legal expectations for landlords. Landlords will need to ensure their properties meet these standards to avoid potential penalties. ‘Awaab’s Law’ sets strict timeframes for addressing serious hazards, adding pressure on landlords to act quickly.

One of the most significant changes is the abolition of Section 21 evictions (no-fault evictions). This shift moves all assured tenancies to be periodic. While landlords will still be able to regain possession of their property, the grounds for possession are being reformed, making it more difficult and time-consuming to remove tenants. The bill also introduces stronger protections against ‘backdoor evictions’, further limiting a landlord’s ability to quickly reclaim their property. These changes significantly alter the eviction process, requiring landlords to be meticulous in their documentation and adherence to the new regulations.

The bill strengthens tenants’ rights to request pets in their rented properties. Landlords must consider requests for tenants to keep pets, and cannot unreasonably refuse. However, the legislation recognises the potential risks associated with pets and allows landlords to require tenants to hold pet insurance. Critically, the cost of this insurance can be passed on to the tenant. This provision offers a degree of financial protection for landlords against potential pet damage, while still granting tenants the right to keep pets. While the tenant pays the cost, the landlord can choose the policy to ensure adequate cover it provided.

The Renters (Reform) Bill introduces a complex set of changes that can be challenging for landlords to navigate. Having the right insurance cover is more important than ever. Alps offers a range of solutions designed to protect landlords in this evolving market.

• Landlord Legal Expenses: This cover can assist with evictions, mediation, rent arrears pursuit, and legal defence against prosecutions. Given the increased complexity of evictions under the new bill, this type of cover can be invaluable.
• 24/7 Advice Helpline (built into Landlord Legal Expenses): Alps provides a 24/7 advice helpline, staffed by experts who can assist landlords in navigating the complexities of the private rental market.
• Pet Damage Protection: Recognising that pet damage is often excluded from standard landlord policies, Alps offers specific Pet Damage Protection. This product protects landlords against sudden, unintentional, and unexpected damage caused by tenants’ pets to the property’s fixtures, fittings, and contents. You can ask your tenant to meet this cost of this policy.

By understanding the implications of the Renters (Reform) Bill and securing appropriate insurance coverage, landlords can better protect their investments. Contact Alps today to discuss your specific needs and how we can help.