The Renters’ Rights Act: What it means for landlords, and how we will help you navigate it

As many of you will already be aware, the Renters' Rights Act came into force on 1 May this year, and it represents the most significant shift in private rental legislation we have seen in a long time.

It touches everything from how rent increases are handled, to the way landlords regain possession of their properties. Throughout this transition, we’re guiding our landlord clients to adapt to these new regulations. As SW London’s leading boutique estate agency focused on bringing our deep expertise in Fulham, Parson’s Green, Hammersmith and Brook Green to clients, Beaufort Green will ensure you are in safe hands.

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Beaufort Green’s lettings services: a seamlessly managed, bespoke service for your rental properties

With our fully managed lettings service, we support you to achieve compliance with the Renters’ Rights Act’s new demands, demystify the process each step of the way, and keep you fully in the picture, so you know your rental properties meet all the legislative requirements. Our job is to guide you through these changes, advise you strategically throughout the lettings lifecycle, and secure the best possible tenants for your property. 

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Below is a summary of the changes implemented as part of the Renters’ Rights Act:

• Section 21 evictions abolished. It will no longer be possible to serve “no-fault” eviction notices in order to regain possession of your property. Instead a Section 8 will be served (see below).

• Section 8 possession grounds expanded. A Section 8 notice will be required when asking a tenant to vacate your property, and mandatory and discretionary grounds have been added and updated to this by the Government. A legal reason for required possession of the property will be needed (such as missing rent payments or needing to sell the property). Our expert team of property professionals will be on hand to guide you through this, so you have a clear path forward and a solid plan for your properties.

• Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) abolished. These will all now become rolling, periodic contracts, which we will handle on your behalf, updating you periodically but taking the paperwork off your hands.

• Rent increases limited. The move to periodic tenancies will mean that Section 13 notices will now be the only way for landlords to increase rent. These can only be served once each year. We will continue to support our landlords with these increases, advising strategically on market rates to ensure strong returns for rental properties in SW London.

• Rental bidding banned. No offers above the advertised price can be accepted by landlords or agents, making pricing strategy all the more crucial to get right from the outset

• Landlord ombudsman introduced. This aims to help resolve disputes between landlords and tenants impartially.

• Private Rented Sector database created. Designed to compile information about landlords and properties and provide visibility on compliance. Beaufort Green will handle all administration required for this database.

• Discrimination prohibited. Tenants on benefits or with children cannot be discriminated against.

• Pets allowed. Tenants cannot reasonably be refused pets.

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What does this mean for landlords of rental properties?

In summary, the Renters’ Rights Act changes mean that landlords will still be able to regain possession of their property when required, but will need a legally defined reason and more robust evidence than they did previously. We are here to support you through the entire process, so that owning a rental property continues to be as commercially viable and stress-free as possible. 

While there was initial concern about tenants handing in their notice and landlords suddenly being without a tenant in situ, we're happy to report that this hasn't really been the case in practice. From our experience, tenants have been very happy in their well-managed properties, and for the few that have handed in their notice, our team has swiftly re-let homes to minimise the void period (and in many cases, achieve better rents). To explore the rental properties we have on offer, click here.

To learn more about how Beaufort Green can support you as a landlord through current and future regulatory changes, and ensure your investment properties are professionally managed and occupied by vetted tenants, reach out to us at hello@beaufortgreen.co.uk.