Are you aware of this?

Landlords won’t be able to evict tenants without giving a specific reason.

Section 21 eviction, also known as “no-fault” evictions, will be abolished in England under the Renters’ Rights Bill.

This means Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without giving them a specific reason. The bill, which is expected to become law in the coming months will replace section 21 with a system requiring landlords to use section 8 grounds for possession, which are specific reasons for eviction.

“So what!” You might think? How does that affect me? Well, if you’re a landlord or a tenant, quite a lot.

Let’s take a look at the details…

Current System:

Under the current system, landlords can issue a Section 21 notice to tenants, which allows them to end a tenancy without needing to provide a reason, typically with two months’ notice.

Future System

The Renters Rights Bill will abolish Section 21 and require landlords to use Section 8 grounds for possession. This means landlords will need to provide a valid reason for eviction, such as rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, or a need to sell or move into the property.

Assured Tenancies:

The bill will also transition all private rented tenancies to assured tenancies, which are typically periodic (rolling) tenancies, meaning there will be no more fixed-term tenancies in the private rental sector.

Impact on Landlords:

Landlords will need to adapt to the new system by familiarising themselves with the Section 8 grounds for possession and the process of serving notice and potentially going to court to regain possession of their properties.

Impact on Tenants:

Tenants will have greater security of tenure, as landlords will need to a valid reason to evict them. They will also be empowered to challenge poor practice or unfair rent increases without the fear of retaliatory eviction.

Timing:

While the Renter Rights Bill is progressing through Parliament. It is expected to become law in the coming months, and the changes will apply to all tenancies from the date the law comes into effect, with no transitional period.

Now, that looks reasonable, and of course it is, but just like all legislation, the devil is in the detail.

Did you know for example, that if you haven’t kept your energy certification up to date then you can’t use a Section 21 notice to evict a tenant.

And there are massive fines of £5,000 for not meeting the minimum ratings. Keeping paperwork up to date, and handy can be cumbersome. Keeping up to speed with over 170 changes in new legislation in England and Wales even more so.

Being a Landlord shouldn’t be a headache.

It’s your biggest investment, so ensure it’s in good hands. Use an ARLA agent, and ideally pop in and see them first. Don’t rely on the internet only.

We moved recently, to Banks Drive. So come in for cup of tea or coffee, and ask us anything you like, we only bite the biscuits 🙂