The Renters Rights Act

The Renters Rights Act is the most significant overhaul of private rented sector legislation in a generation. PropLink's Lettings module is being designed against the Act.

The main changes

End of Section 21

The Act abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions. Landlords can no longer end a tenancy without a reason.

Periodic tenancies by default

Fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies are replaced by open-ended periodic tenancies. Tenants can give two months' notice to leave at any time.

Expanded Section 8 grounds

New possession grounds give landlords clear, evidence-based routes to end a tenancy (rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, selling the property, moving in).

Decent Homes Standard

A statutory standard for private rented homes, enforceable by local authorities.

Private Rented Sector Database

A national database all landlords and properties must register with.

Private Rented Sector Ombudsman

A new ombudsman to resolve tenant complaints.

Rental bidding limits

Rental bidding wars and bidding above the advertised rent become unlawful.

Right to keep a pet

Tenants gain a right to request a pet; landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.

What it means for property managers

Operationally, every aspect of letting changes:

• Tenancy agreements need rewriting to reflect periodic tenancies and the new grounds.
• Possession notices follow new prescribed forms.
• Rent reviews are limited in frequency and method.
• Property advertising must show the rent clearly with no bidding language.
• Property condition must meet the Decent Homes Standard.
• Database registration is mandatory for the landlord and each property.
• Complaints must be referred to the new ombudsman if not resolved.

When the Act commences

The Act has received Royal Assent. Provisions commence in stages set by the Secretary of State. As provisions commence, this page will be updated and the relevant Lettings workflow pages will switch from coming-soon to live.

How PropLink Lettings will support compliance

The Lettings module is being designed so the day-to-day workflow naturally complies with the Act:

• Tenancy creation pre-fills periodic by default with the Act's prescribed clauses.
• Section 8 notice templates align with the new prescribed forms.
• Decent Homes Standard inspection events are pre-populated.
• Private Rented Sector Database registration is captured against each property.
• Ombudsman submissions can be packaged from PropLink data.

Authoritative reading

For the full text see the Renters Rights Act on legislation.gov.uk. For guidance see the DLUHC tenancy reform pages.

PropLink is not legal advice. Consult your solicitor or a specialist housing law firm for definitive interpretation.