Renters Rights in London

Posted onOctober 22, 2024

The Renters’ Rights Bill had its second reading in Parliament on 9 October 2024

It is estimated that there are around 11 million renters in the UK. That’s a sizeable chunk of voters keen to know how their rights as renters will change once the Renters Rights Bill becomes law.

As busy Landlord and Tenant Solicitors in London, we know that tenants eagerly await the new law whilst private landlords dread the budget on 30 October 2024 and the introduction of the Renters Rights Act.

In this blog, The Head of the Landlord and Tenant Department, Nollienne Alparaque looks at the latest developments in the Renters Rights Bill.

Online and London Landlord and Tenant Solicitors

For landlord and tenant legal advice call the experts at OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or complete our online enquiry form.

Provisions in The Renters Rights Bill

Here is a recap of some of the key provisions in the Bill:

The end of Section 21 no-fault evictions
End of tenancy notice periods will increase from two to four months
Protected tenancy periods where a tenant is protected from eviction within the first year of a new tenancy to provide a degree of rental stability
No re-letting provision for 12 months where a landlord secures possession on the basis that they are selling up
No rental bidding wars – rental property will only be allowed to be rented at the advertised price
Rent rises limited to once a year and rises limited to market rates
Tenants will be able to challenge unreasonable rent rises
An end to discrimination so tenants can't be refused a tenancy agreement because, for example, they have children or are on benefits
Tenants will be able to request the right to rent with a pet with a landlord only able to refuse if it is reasonable to do so
New ombudsman service for landlord and tenant dispute resolution
Decent homes standard to encourage tenants to report if their homes are damp, dangerous or require repair
Local authorities to be able to fine landlords up to £40,000 for regulation breaches
Landlord database or register

With all these provisions the key is the detail. It will also take time for landlords, their agents, local authorities and tribunals to get to grips with the provisions.

Our thoughts on The Renters Rights Bill

You only have to look at the impact of rent control measures in Scotland to understand that changes to Landlord and tenant law have to be carefully thought through. What may appear, at first glance, to improve the lot of tenants can have unexpected consequences.

The Head of the Landlord and Tenant Department Nollienne Alparaque says

‘’Landlord and tenant law reform is massively overdue – everyone seems to agree on that but does The Renters Rights Bill strike the right balance? As someone who works to protect tenant rights and who acts for private landlords, I can see that some of the rights appear on the surface to be good news for tenants but I do worry about the long-term consequences for the rental market in London. I appreciate that reforms that encourage landlords to sell up may seem like a good thing to people keen to see housing equity in London but many tenants in London just aren’t able to buy or get mortgage approval even if house prices come down and there are more properties on the market. Let’s also not forget that many landlords are working people who accidentally became landlords or who were encouraged to invest in property to help fund their retirement. I think it will be a case of some winners and losers - but they won't necessarily be who you expect.’’

If you need advice on renter rights now as either a tenant or a landlord then our London specialists can help you understand your rights and your obligations with expert legal advice on:

Section 21 and 8 notices
Deposit disputes
Tenancy agreement disputes
Letters before action
Possession proceedings
Eviction
HMOs

Online and London Landlord and Tenant Solicitors

For landlord and tenant legal advice call the experts at OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or complete our online enquiry form.

Landlord Guidance on Section 21 Notices

Remedies When Your Tenants Stop Paying The Rent

The Legal Requirements for Landlords

Top Reasons Landlords are Fined

Remedies When Your Tenants Stop Paying The Rent

Landlord and Tenant Disputes Over Deposits and Fair Wear and Tear