In Detail, In Brief: The Countdown to the Renters' Rights Act

Image courtesy Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

In just under a fortnight’s time, the biggest ever change in the private rented sector will take place, transforming the rights of thousands of private sector renters in Bristol South.

A third of properties in Southville are privately rented, and more than a quarter of those in Bedminster and Windmill Hill are the same.

From the 1 May there will be no more “no fault” evictions meaning landlords will no longer be able to remove their tenants without a valid reason. All tenancies will roll on from month to month, fixed term tenancies will end.

Rent rises will only be possible once a year, and unfair increases can be challenged with no risk of eviction. The rent advertised will be the rent payable, ending bidding wars, and the maximum up-front rent will be just one month. Rent review clauses in tenancies will also be banned.

By the end of the year, a Private Landlord Ombudsman will help resolve complaints quickly and fairly, a completely free service. 

To ensure compliance, local councils are being given new powers, with first or minor failures by landlords to obey the rules resulting in a civil penalty of up to £7,000.  For serious or repeated failures, either a civil penalty of up to £40,000 can be levied or criminal prosecution which could result in an unlimited fine.

Landlords could be ordered to pay back tenants up to 24 months’ rent if they are impacted by non-compliance with the law.

Nearly 70% of private tenants feel they have a good landlord. These changes are about ensuring that every tenant is protected from the bad ones.