The Renters’ Rights Bill - Why preparing for change is key to Minimising Risk
I have been decidedly quiet on LinkedIn for the last 4 or 5 days to reflect and take stock of what is happening in the PRS, and to be honest, rest my eyes from all the reading I have been doing over the last 7 months – well more if we factor in the Bill from the previous government.
Research, reading, analysing, interpreting, formatting courses, drafting questions, drafting answers, writing blogs, attending legal seminars & courses, speaking at events, delivering webinars & courses are all part of the remit and require planning. The last time my colleagues and I encountered this volume of work was with the introduction of the Housing Act 2004. I had just embarked on my career in the PRS and sat back whilst my colleagues and barrister / mentor / friend / oracle did the heavy lifting.
Something else to think about for 2025
At the moment the focus is well & truly on the Renters’ Rights Bill and for good reason given the impact that such a significant piece of legislation will have on the Private Rented Sector. However, there are other crucial pieces of information / updates that property professionals need to be aware of.
Land Registry Fees
The Land Registry is a cornerstone of land registration in England & Wales, relied upon by many different Stakeholders as a source of information. From Monday 9 December, 2023, fees for HM Land Registry information services increased for the first time in more than 10 years.
The fee will increase by £4, for example:
inspection of an individual register or plan (digital copy) increased from £3 to £7
official copy of an individual register or plan (digital copy) increased from £3 to £7
registration, cancellation or rectification of an entry per name (Agricultural Credits Service or application) increased from £1 to £5
Private Rented Sector in 2024
As the year 2024 draws to a close, it is often a timeto reflect on the accomplishments, challenges, and growth experienced over the past twelve months. This year has been one of significant change and innovation, with organisations adapting to an evolving private rented sector, regulatory landscapes, and the ever-present need for resilience in a competitive environment.
So many property professionals - landlords & letting agents, have demonstrated remarkable foresight, leveraging opportunities for growth while addressing the challenges that inevitably will arise in. 2025. Reflection not only offers an opportunity to celebrate successes but also provides valuable insights for strategic planning and continuous improvement, ensuring a stronger and more prosperous year ahead.
Important News - Renters Rights Bill presented in Parliament
Here we go. The government are standing by their word and will push this Bill through as promised relatively quickly.
The Renters Rights Bill was ‘presented’ in Parliament today - no fanfare, just confirmation that the Second Reading will take place tomorrow, 12th September 2024.
The Bill
So what’s included in the Bill. New laws will ban unfair “no-fault evictions” , there will be an end to bad practices, such as bidding wars to drive up rents, and unreasonable mid-tenancy rent increases.
According to the government, more than 11 million people in England live day in, day out with the knowledge that they could be uprooted from their home with little notice and no justification. This is not in fact the case as the majority of landlords (and letting agents) work well with tenants entering into discussion prior to the tenancy coming to an end, following formal processes and procedures to navigate renewal of tenancy or brining the tenancy to an end.