Dear
Valued Client
As the
Renters' Rights Bill moves closer to becoming law in 2025 following its
second reading in February, it's essential to understand how these changes
might affect you as a landlord. We want to ensure you stay informed and
compliant while continuing to manage your rental properties efficiently.
Here's
a brief overview of the key points and how our flexible letting services can
help to keep you compliant and protected.
Section 21 Abolition
No-fault
evictions will end, but landlords can still reclaim properties under new
grounds, such as selling or moving back in to the property.
What
this means for you
Very
little change. The new grounds under Section 8 will cover nearly all cases
where you would have used Section 21. In our branch, most Section 21 notices
could be replaced with Section 8.
How we
can help
Although
the details are still being worked out, Our team will keep you updated when
more is known. Our team will also keep the transition smooth, handling the
changes in processes for you.
Court Delays
Concerns
about delays eviction delays are being addressed with clearer grounds for
possession, dispute resolution through the Ombudsman, and digital systems
expedite outcomes but the impact of this will not be known until the
transition occurs
How we
can help
Our
rent guarantee insurance covers eviction costs and lost rent, ensuring stable
income during any delays. We’ll handle the entire process, from
insurance to resolution.
Periodic Tenancies
Tenants
will have the flexibility to give two months' notice at any time, similar to
existing practices in Scotland which has seen minimal impact on tenancy
durations.
What
this means for you
While
tenants can leave with notice, this won’t drastically change how long people
stay. If tenants are unhappy, it’s better for them to move on rather than
cause issues for you.
How we
can help
We’ll
manage tenant transitions seamlessly, minimizing disruption and swiftly
finding new tenants when needed.
Rent Increases
Annual
rent increases remain possible as long as they match market rates in the
current version of the Bill. Tenants have the option to appeal to a tribunal
if they believe that the rent increase is unfair.
How we
can help
We’ll
support you with market data to justify rent increases, ensuring a fair
process that keeps your property competitive.
PRS Ombudsman
A new
Ombudsman for landlords will be introduced to handle landlord-tenant
disputes and resolve these disputes efficiently, reducing the need for costly
legal action.
How we
can help
We’ll
assist with registration with the Ombudsman and manage any disputes on your
behalf, saving you time, stress and ensuring a smooth dispute resolution for
you.
PRS Property Portal
This
new portal will help landlords demonstrate compliance with legal obligations.
How we
can help
We’ll
ensure you have all necessary documentation to remain compliant, taking the
worry out of new regulations and reducing the risk of fines.
Pet Requests
Tenants
can request pets, however, landlords can require insurance to cover potential
damages. Landlords should only refuse if it’s reasonable to do so.
What
this means for you
If your
property is suitable for pets, you’ll need to allow them with reasonable
conditions.
How we
can help
We’ll
manage pet requests and ensure appropriate insurance is in place to protect
your property.
Non-discrimination
Landlords
cannot discriminate against tenants with children or those receiving
benefits.
What
this means for you
You can
still conduct thorough tenant referencing to ensure you select suitable
tenants, but you cannot discriminate based on these categories.
How we
can help
Our
thorough tenant referencing ensures you find reliable tenants while adhering
to regulations.
Decent Homes Standard
and Awaab’s Law
New
standards will set strict timelines for addressing issues like damp and
mould.
How we
can help
We
already comply with similar standards. We’ll make sure we check and highlight
whether your property meets these standards. Our proactive approach ensures
your property remains in top condition. This will ensure your let remains a
safe and desirable place to live, reducing the risk of fines and maintaining
tenant satisfaction.
No Bidding Wars
Landlords
will no longer be able to accept offers above the asking rent.
How we
can help
We’ll
set competitive, market-accurate rents, ensuring you attract tenants quickly
while securing the best possible income.
We’re
fully prepared for these upcoming changes and are here to guide you through
them. Our experienced team will ensure you remain compliant while protecting
your investment. By partnering with us, you’ll have peace of mind knowing
your property is in expert hands. Our flexible letting services are designed
to keep you compliant with all new regulations, safeguarding your investment
and simplifying the process- essentially if you are
not a fully managed client now is the time to talk to ourselves.
We look
forward to continuing to support you, for more information, please visit: https://www.whitegates.co.uk/landlords/letting-compliance/
Best
Regards
Chan
Khangura BA (Hons) DipRLM MARLA MNAEA
Proprietor
& Managing Director Whitegates
Estate Agents Huddersfield, Brighouse & Holmfirth
Proprietor
& Managing Director Whitegates Pontefract & South Elmsall
Owner
Whitworths Managing Agents, Let Two, CMK Lettings, Easy Lettings Northwest,
McField Lettings Brighouse, Linden Lettings, & Local Properties
Pontefract
https://whitegates-huddersfield.homesearch.co.uk
https://huddersfieldproperty.blogspot.com
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