Welcome to the Renters’ Rights Hub!
Read our latest Government update for the most recent information and what this means for agents, landlords and tenants.
Update | 14th January 2024
On the 14th of January, the Renters’ Rights Bill took a major step forward, passing with a majority of 329 votes (440 in favour, 111 against). Here are the key things you need to know:
1 | Guarantors permitted. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook emphasised the role guarantors play in offering landlords reassurance while supporting tenants with poor credit histories, “I appreciate fully that obtaining a guarantor can be difficult; however, I am mindful that in some instances the use of guarantors can provide good landlords with the assurances necessary to let their properties to tenants who may otherwise find it difficult to access private rented accommodation, for example, those with poor credit histories.”
2 | Rent in advance. Upfront rent payments will no longer be allowed, but tenants will retain the flexibility to choose to pay in advance once a tenancy begins, with the Minister stating, “Tenants would retain the flexibility to make payments in advance within a tenancy agreement should they wish to do so.”
In his closing statement, Pennycook confirmed, “Landlords will be able to take a holding deposit of up to one week, a tenancy deposit of 5 or 6 weeks, and up to one month’s rent in advance before a tenancy has begun. They will also be free to undertake referencing and affordability checks necessary to give them confidence that the tenancy is sustainable for all parties, and if and when not satisfied by the outcome of these tenancy checks there are options available to both tenant and landlord to ensure that rent in advance need not be used, for example requesting a guarantor or engaging in landlord insurance.”
However, the amendment was withdrawn subject to a committee review before the Bill moves to the upper house for scrutiny by the Lords. It is expected that the Renters’ Rights Bill will pass to the Lords in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for our latest infosheet where we delve more into the outcomes, and discuss what will happen next.
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Everything You Need To Know About Settlements | Infosheet
With the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, resolving disputes is more important than ever. The Lettings Hub’s free Settlement infosheet offers practical tips, insights on Rent & Legal Protection, and real-world success stories to help letting agents, landlords, and tenants achieve faster, amicable resolutions. Download now to stay ahead!
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Where Are We Now? | The Renters’ Rights Bill Post Third Reading | Infosheet
The Renters’ Rights Bill passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons yesterday, 14th January 2025. This is a major step toward it becoming law, with the next stage being review in the House of Lords.Stay informed by downloading our latest ‘Where Are We Now’ infosheet. It covers key insights for landlords, tenants, and letting agents, including the amendments passed yesterday and what happens next. Download today!
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Where Are We Now With The Renter’s Rights Bill? | Infosheet
The Renters’ Rights Bill is set for its Report Stage in the House of Commons on 14th January, a key milestone for the UK’s private rented sector. Ahead of this, the Government has released new amendment details, including the abolition of Section 21 evictions in favour of secure periodic tenancies, stronger tenant rights to challenge poor living conditions, and fairer rules for landlords to regain possession. This stage will shape the final Bill before it moves through Parliament, with secondary legislation expected by summer. Stay informed—download our info sheet today!
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Managing Anti-Social Behaviour Under The Renter’s Rights Bill | Infosheet
Get practical advice on adapting to the Renter’s Rights Bill with this free infosheet. Learn about changes to Section 21, new eviction grounds, preventative strategies, and non-eviction solutions for letting agents. Stay ahead in managing anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
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Webinars
What Is Happening In The Courts? | Infosheet
Government statistics show a rise in landlord possession claims, orders, and repossessions, with court delays reaching up to 24.5 weeks. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for navigating the evolving legal landscape. Our comprehensive infosheet provides insights into regional disparities, the key factors driving these trends—such as end-of-year pressures and the planned abolition of Section 21—and practical advice on integrating Rent & Legal Protection to safeguard landlord investments.
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An Essential Guide To Section 8 Notices | Infosheet
The Lettings Hub’s Essential Guide to Section 8 Notices is a must-read for landlords and agents navigating the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Bill. This downloadable infosheet covers the key aspects of Section 8 Notices, including mandatory and discretionary grounds for possession, how to serve valid notices, and guidance on managing court processes and mediation. The guide also highlights important updates, such as extended notice periods and new grounds for possession, ensuring you stay compliant with the latest rental regulations. Download this essential resource today to stay ahead in the evolving UK lettings landscape.
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Webinars
Pets In Rental Properties | Infosheet
Download our infosheet to explore how rising pet ownership impacts the rental market. Learn about Renters’ Rights Bill updates, pet insurance rules, and tips for landlords, letting agents, and tenants on navigating pet-friendly rentals. Stay ahead, download now.
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Webinars
How to Upgrade your Landlords to a Fully Managed Service | E-Guide
The Renters’ Rights Bill, set for 2025, brings complex compliance demands for landlords. This is an ideal moment for letting agents to guide landlords from tenant-find-only to a fully managed service, ensuring they stay compliant, save time, and reduce risks. The Lettings Hub offers a downloadable e-guide packed with strategies to support your agency to maximise this opportunity —download now to benefit from expert tips on navigating the changes.
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Removal of Section 21| Infosheet
In this infosheet, we examine how agents can prepare for the removal of Section 21 Notices, which is expected to be one of the most significant changes in the bill. Download now to dive deeper into the challenges and opportunities this abolishment will create!
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The Autumn Budget Implications | Infosheet
As we approach next week’s highly anticipated Budget, we’re excited to launch The Lettings Hub Budget Implications Infosheet – October 2024. We explore the potential impacts of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first budget, following the Labour party’s election victory earlier this year. As the lettings sector braces for these changes, understanding the upcoming fiscal policies is critical for landlords and letting agents alike. Download our Infosheet now to stay ahead of the curve and be prepared for what’s to come!
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What we learned from the English Housing Survey | Infosheet
The English Housing Survey is a national survey of people’s housing circumstances and the condition and energy efficiency of housing in England. Data from 2022-2023 has been published in a report. In this infosheet we look at what was included, what we have learned and what this means in the planning for the Renters’ Rights Bill.
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Webinars
Renters Rights Bill Webinar
On the 9th October, the Renters’ Rights Bill advanced to its second reading in Parliament, where MPs debated the core principles of the proposed legislation. The session saw a range of viewpoints expressed by industry experts, with both support and concerns raised on various aspects of the Bill. If you were unable to catch it live, don’t worry—The Lettings Hub is committed to providing you with continuous insights and updates as the Bill progresses.
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Your Essential Guide to Repairs For Lettings | Infosheet
In this Infosheet we look at both the landlords and tenants responsibilities, plus how platforms like Fixflo streamline repair management by allowing tenants to report issues in real-time and receive updates. Regular inspections, clear documentation, and open dialogue with tenants are essential for smooth property management and long-term success.
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What We Learned At Conference | Infosheet
In the King’s Speech on 17 July, the Labour government outlined its plans for a new Renters’ Rights Bill, which will give “greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions, and reforming grounds for possession”.
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Getting Renters’ Rights Ready | E-Guide
In the King’s Speech on 17 July, the Labour government outlined its plans for a new Renters’ Rights Bill, which will give “greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions, and reforming grounds for possession”.
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Bill to Law | Infosheet
In the King’s Speech on 17 July, the Labour government outlined its plans for a new Renters’ Rights Bill, which will give “greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions, and reforming grounds for possession”.
Read more
Webinars
Infosheet – Renters’ Rights Bill
In the King’s Speech on 17 July, the Labour government outlined its plans for a new Renters’ Rights Bill, which will give “greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions, and reforming grounds for possession”.
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Legal
Gas Safety Rulings all Landlords and Letting Agents Should Know
If a landlord wants to evict a tenant using a Section 21 notice, they must ensure they have complied with all the legal requirements before serving the notice. Otherwise, they could end up losing the case and paying the tenants’ legal costs, as one landlord recently found out.
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Legal
Landlords and Renters to Save on Council Tax Bills
The government recently announced that it would stop requiring tenants of shared dwellings to pay hefty council tax bills by banding individual rooms in shared households individually for council tax reasons. The NRLA projects that this change will save landlords and their tenants up to £1,000 annually.
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Business
E-Guide – How does a bill become an act of parliament?
RENTERS REFORM BILL UPDATE
The Financial Times have reported that the Renters Reform bill is set to get it’s second reading on Monday 23rd October, after PM Rishi Sunak is said to have given his personal blessing to resume the progress of the bill. We will be keeping you updated throughout the process, so make sure to follow all the news via our Rent Reform Hub for more information.
And take a look at our newly released E-Book that will walk you through the stages this bill will go through on its journey through the parliamentary process!
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Legal
Is a new tenancy required when a landlord changes hands?
Properties are usually purchased with vacant possession, however in some transactions the buyer will purchase the property with a tenant in situ, especially in the buy-to-let market. In this weeks blog we look at everything the new landlord would need to know if the property is bought with a tenant in situ.
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Legal
The Renter Reform Bill – the latest updates on progress
It is all we see in the headlines, but what is actually happening with the Renters Reform? This week we are looking at where the journey the bill has been on so far and where it is going next, including the second reading announcement.
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Legal
Further delays at court due to strike action by security staff
Court delays have already caused issues in the market with landlords waiting longer to gain possession of their property. Further delays are now expected as agency staff at over 30 civil courts have taken part in industrial action this month. Make sure to read this weeks blog with a list of courts dealing with possession claims that are likely to be impacted as well as advice for landlords.
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Legal
Possession claims on the rise
The Ministry of Justice has recently published figures for property possessions across both mortgage and rentals. Possession claims have increased across the board. However, thankfully, our Legal Providers – Woodstock – have also seen a decrease in the time it is taking for possession orders to be granted by the courts recently.
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Legal
Tenants and Signing Tenancy Agreements – Can my tenant owe rent if they did not sign the tenancy agreement?
If you have a tenant who owes you rent arrears, but you discover that the tenancy agreement was not signed by the tenant, what can you do? Are your landlords still entitled to claim the money back? The answer – maybe! There are multiple factors that go into a decision by a judge if this is the case and this week we are here to let you know what options you have.
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Legal
Abandonment Notice | An alternative to a Possession Order?
There are many ways in which a landlord can obtain possession of their property including an Abandonment Notice. In this blog we look at this method in more detail, explaining what it is and how you can use it alongside implied surrender.
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Legal
Labour’s Rayner to shadow Gove on the Housing Brief – what can we expect?
The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, has been appointed Shadow Levelling Up Secretary by Sir Keir Starmer. With this role, she will oppose the Rt Hon. Michael Gove MP in taking on issues such as the reform of the private rented sector, so in this blog we look at what this could mean.
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Legal
Utility bills: who is liable to pay?
Bills included has become one of the most searched terms from tenants following the cost of living increase, however landlords are moving away from including bills in the Tenancy Agreement. But why? In this weeks blog we look at why landlords are staying away from the idea, and if landlords are including bills the things they need to look out for.
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Legal
County Court Bailiff or High Court Enforcement?
Gaining possession consists of multiple stages but for those who reach the final step, it means it is time to enforce a possession order via a bailiff appointment or high court enforcement officer. But which option is better? In this weeks blog we look at the difference between a bailiff and a high court enforcement officer and what the benefits of each of the services are.
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Legal
Why Settlement Agreements Matter
For tenancies where a landlord or letting agent hasn’t opted for a Rent Protection product, then it isn’t unusual for a legal team to be instructed to recover a debt from a tenant who has defaulted on their rent. In this blog we look at why Settlement Agreements shouldn’t be overlooked with an example of a recent case study from Woodstock Legal Services.
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Legal
Student Let Management Under the Renters Reform Bill
An area of uncertainty amongst the proposals for the Renters (Reform) Bill is the student lets sector. Landlords biggest worry is the proposal to end fixed term tenancies, leaving them uncertain as to when they will get the property back to re-let to the next year of students.
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Legal
The Deregulation Act 2015: Essential Knowledge for Landlords on Section 21 Evictions
After the Deregulation Act 2015 came into effect, the biggest defence in possession claims has been the key documents not being received. So, this week we talk through what these documents are, what they need to include and how to issue them.
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Legal
How long does it take to gain possession?
Gaining possession of a property involves several stages and procedures that must be followed. The process can be divided into three main steps: giving notice, court proceedings, and enforcement. It is important for Letting Agents and Landlords to understand what they involve and how long they may take.
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Legal
From Draft to Law: Unveiling the Timeline of the Renters Reform Bill’s Journey to Implementation
The whole industry has been following the Rental Reform bill, trying to understand how to talk to their landlords and tenants about the changes. In this week’s blog we are focusing on the timeline of the bill and our predictions on how it will move forward.
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RENTER’S REFORM BILL
The Government has published the first draft of the Renters Reform Bill which has been much anticipated across the Residential Landlord and Tenant Sector for the past 5 years. The Bill has only just started its Parliamentary journey and it will undoubtedly undergo revision of terms or amendments and additions but where do we stand currently?
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Legal
Effective use of section 21 notices – whilst we still have them
As we know in the Renters’ Reform, the use of Section 21 has been scrapped. However, while landlords are still able to use them – they need to be as effective as possible. This week we are looking at what documentation is needed and how important it is to ensure it is correct.
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Legal
Navigating the Legal System: Understanding the Difference Between Section 21 and Section 8 Notices
Step 1 of gaining possession of a property is serving a notice, giving the tenant a chance to leave before action takes place. So, in this weeks blog we look at the difference between a section 21 and section 8 notice and how to serve them to your tenant to avoid any further issues.
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Legal
Decent Homes Standard: Are Homes in the Private Rented Sector Meeting it?
In 2020 as high as 15% of the homes in England did not meet the requirements for the Decent Homes Standard. Woodstock discuss the outlines of the standard and explain how landlords can review their portfolios to ensure their properties meet the requirements.
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