What are the key reforms of the Renters’ Rights Act?

Phase 1

Periodic tenancies

Summary: Fixed-term tenancies will be abolished and will be replaced by rolling periodic contracts, so tenants can give two months’ notice at any time.

William Grant & Partners support: We will update your tenancy agreements, and help manage your tenancies with flexibility and control.

Ban on rental bidding

Summary: Landlords and agents cannot accept offers above the advertised rent. Any attempt to invite or accept higher bids is prohibited and subject to fines.

William Grant & Partners support: Our agents deliver accurate rental valuations, supported by local market insights, helping ensure your property is priced fairly, competitively and in full compliance with the Renters’ Rights Act.

Cap on rent in advance

Summary: Landlords cannot request rent in advance before a tenancy agreement is signed. Only one month’s rent can be collected post-signature.

William Grant & Partners support: We manage compliant payment schedules and ensure tenancy setup follows the new legal framework.

Discrimination

Summary:Landlords cannot refuse tenants based on benefit status, family circumstances or other protected characteristics.

William Grant & Partners support:We offer inclusive tenant sourcing and screening, ensuring landlords meet legal obligations while securing reliable renters.

Pet ownership

Summary:Tenants can request pets, and landlords must respond within 28 days. Refusals must be justified (e.g. lease restrictions).

William Grant & Partners support:We manage the process and ensure compliance with deadlines.

Rent increase

Summary:Rent can only be increased once per year using a formal Section 13 notice which must give tenants at least two months’ notice before the proposed increase takes effect. Tenants have the right to challenge the increase via the First-tier Tribunal, which may delay or reduce the proposed rent if it's deemed above market value.

William Grant & Partners support:We can issue compliant Section 13 notices, and provide market-based rental valuations to support fair increases.

Regaining possession

Summary:Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a reason. All possession claims must now be made under Section 8, using specific legal grounds, such as selling, moving in, rent arrears and anti-social behaviour.

William Grant & Partners support:We have updated our agreements to support our landlords through the legal process to regain possession providing a comprehensive and strategic overview of landlord rights and responsibilities under the latest legal framework.

Enforcement & Fines

Summary:The Renters’ Rights Bill introduces stronger enforcement powers for local councils and higher penalties for non-compliance. Councils will be able to inspect properties, demand documentation and issue fines for breaches.

£5,000: For accepting or demanding prohibited rent in advance payments before a tenancy agreement is signed or outside the permitted initial rent period.

£7,000: For failing to register a property on the PRS Database or advertising a property without registration.

Up to £40,000: For repeated breaches or serious offences, such as providing fraudulent information to the PRS Database.

Rent Repayment Orders (RROs) extended to more offences, with the maximum repayment of 24 months' worth of rent.

William Grant & Partners support:

We help landlords stay compliant and protected under the new rules. Our property management service ensures:

Accurate record-keeping and tenancy terms

With William Grant & Partners, landlords are prepared for the new legal landscape: confident, compliant, and supported.

Phase 2

Property portal

Summary:Landlords must register properties on a government database to demonstrate compliance and use certain possession grounds. The government has advised that further details on registration procedures and enforcement will follow.

William Grant & Partners support: We assist landlords with uploading certification and maintaining accurate records to ensure eligibility for legal protections.

Phase 3

Decent homes standard (date to be confirmed)

Will raise housing quality and safety standards across the private rented sector, with exact implementation dates still subject to consultation and confirmation.