Last week we held a webinar covering the Renters’ Rights Bill. If you couldn’t attend, don’t worry, you can watch back on our YouTube channel by clicking the video above.

What came across from our audience were the concerns that the Renters’ Rights Bill, or other changes, may restrict a landlords ability to sell a property that was previously rented and how to get rent up to market rates.

We can all see the death of Section 21 notices has been reported as a disaster. These reports are alarmist and, we believe, entirely misplaced. If you look at the amendments to the Bill published 15 January 2025

On page 167 it shows the grounds to get your property back in order to move in a family member.

On page 168 it shows the ground for selling.

In essence, providing the tenancy is at least one year (same as now), you’ll be able to end the tenancy for a property sale or moving in a family member. These key issues have been in all versions.

What we also showed was that when Scotland stopped the use of Section 21 equivalents, the volume of rental activity improved. In short, if you want to sell one of your properties, we see nothing in the forthcoming changes that will stop you being able to do that.

The other issue that was highlighted was around rent caps

Page 11 onward of the amendments document shows the various rent increase issues. If you read it you’ll see lots of issues about market rents and rent tribunal assessing any increase against the market.

Other than a handful of MPs wanting rent caps, there have been no suggestions of a rent cap. The focus has been on the market rent.

A recent amendment means that there will be a limit to the amount of rent that can be taken in advance, we believe to prevent people insisting on say 12 months up front. That has sometimes been reported as a rent cap (a cap of the amount up front), but the Labour party have been clear, no cap or control on rent levels during the tenancy, using the market to set levels.

The Bill is not yet Law it is expected to come from the Lords and back to the Commons on 5th February and there will doubtless be changes, details or interpretations in future that will need addressing. However, on the audience’s two fundamental concerns, we have seen nothing to worry us.

If you have any concerns about the forth coming Renters’ Rights Bill why not book some time with me by clicking here.