Renters Rights Bill - What it means for you as a Landlord

Renters’ Rights Bill: What It Means for Our Fully

Managed Landlords:

At Property Assistant, we’ve always prided ourselves on staying ahead of industry change so that you don’t have to. 

With the Renters’ Rights Bill now gaining momentum—and expected to become law later this year—we want to reassure our fully managed landlords that

we are across every detail and will be acting on your behalf to ensure you remain protected, compliant, and confident throughout this transition.

Here’s what you need to know, and more importantly, what we’ll be doing for you.

Pets in Properties: New Rules, New Protections:

Under the new Bill, tenants will have the legal right to request a pet, and landlords must consider these requests reasonably. You cannot refuse without a valid reason and must respond within a specified time frame.

How we’re managing this for you:

• 1.  We will assess pet requests in line with the new legislation.
• 2. We will update tenancy agreements to include robust pet clauses.
• 3.  We’ll ensure that any agreed additional pet deposit (likely to be permitted as an extra 3 week rent) is ring-fenced and only used for pet-related damage.

✅ You won’t need to get involved—we’ll handle pet applications and enforce compliance,protecting your property and peace of mind.

PRS Database: Registration & Compliance Covered:

The Bill introduces a mandatory Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database, requiring all

landlords to register their properties. Letting without registration will become an offence, carrying penalties of up to £7,000 and loss of legal rights.

The database is expected to include:

• 1. EPC, gas safety, EICR and smoke/CO alarm certification
• 2.  Landlords contact and property details
• 3. Eviction and enforcement history
• 4.  Possible registration of rents, accessibility info, and notices served.

What we’ll do for you:

•  1. Ensure every managed property is registered when the PRS Database opens.
•  2. Upload and maintain all required documentation.
•  3. Keep your entries active and compliant year-round. 

As your agent, we’ll take this off your plate entirely. You won’t have to worry about missing deadlines or falling foul of new rules.

Ending Tenancies: Section 21 Going, Section 8 Staying:

The abolition of Section 21 will change the way landlords end tenancies. Going forward, you’ll only be able to regain possession using Section 8, with valid legal grounds.

However, until the Bill becomes law, Section 21 remains available, and in some cases, we may recommend serving notice now—particularly if you or the landlord plan to sell or move back in.

We will:

• 1.  Advise you if and when a Section 21 notice is still the best course of action.
• 2. Serve notices compliantly on your behalf.
• 3.  Prepare for Section 8 only rules post-legislation, including evidencing grounds like sale, personal use, or arrears.

You won’t need to do this paperwork—we’ve got it handled.

Rent Increases: New Process, Same Market Insight:

From now on:

• 1. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months
• 2. Landlords must use a Section 13 notice and give 2 months’ notice
• 3. Tenants can challenge increases at tribunal

Our role:

• 1.  We’ll monitor market trends and advise on fair increases
• 2.  Prepare and serve all Section 13 notices as required
• 3. Handle tribunal communication if challenges arise

You stay in control of pricing, while we manage the process legally and efficiently.

The New Ombudsman Scheme: We’ll Represent You:

All landlords will be legally required to join the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.

Already standard for letting agents, this scheme will handle tenant complaints without court involvement and can:

•  1. Award up to £25,000 in compensation
•  2. Enforce corrective action
•  3. Issue public apologies or publication of findings

We will:

• 1.  Register you as required when the scheme goes live
• 2.  Manage and respond to complaints
• 3. Represent your interests in any mediation or resolution process

 Non-compliance risks include fines up to £30,000, so we’ll ensure you’re covered.

New Notice Periods: Section 8 Updates:

The Bill introduces new and updated Section 8 grounds, including:

•  1. Regaining possession for sale or landlord occupation (4-month notice, only after 12 months of tenancy)
•  2. Provisions for persistent arrears, damage, or false statements
•  3. Tougher standards for documentation and evidence

Here’s what we’ll do:

• 1. Keep updated with the prescribed Section 8 forms (which may change frequently)
• 2. Maintain accurate records for each tenancy to support valid claims
• 3.  Serve all notices and prepare evidence.

We’ll stay compliant, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork delays.

What You Can Expect from Us Moving Forward:

As your managing agent, our responsibility is to handle every step of these changes on your behalf. From compliance to communication, registrations to rent reviews—Property Assistant will keep your rental business protected, profitable, and professional.

You can count on us to:

✅ Keep you ahead of legislative changes

✅ Register your properties on new national databases

✅ Ensure all notices and paperwork are up to date

✅ Maintain compliance with the PRS Ombudsman scheme

✅ Protect your property and deposit handling procedures

✅ Manage pets, rent increases, and tenant communications

 Let’s Talk

We’re already preparing for the implementation of these changes—and we'll continue to provide updates as the Bill progresses through Parliament.

If you have any questions or concerns, or simply want reassurance that your portfolio is in safe hands, just reach out. We’re always here to help.

If you're currently managing your property yourself and feel the pressure of keeping up with constant legislative changes, why not let us take the weight off your shoulders? 

Our fully managed service is designed to offer peace of mind, full compliance, and hands-on support every step of the way. We’d love to talk you through how we can help.

 If you know a fellow landlord who might benefit from our guidance, please don’t hesitate to pass on our details — we’re always happy to help.

Contact us today or pop into our Berkshire office—we’d love to hear from you.- 0118 304 5877