The Renters’ Rights Bill, one of the most significant shake-ups of the private rental sector in decades, continues to dominate discussion among landlords and tenants.
Last week estate agency Chestertons convened a panel of its senior lettings specialists alongside property expert Kate Faulkner OBE, to clarify the key reforms and their likely impact on the London lettings market.
The event brought together four of Chestertons’ senior lettings directors – Maria Reynolds (Canary Wharf), Wes Mohamed (South Kensington), Alice Karn (Wandsworth), and Olivia Arnell (Canary Wharf) – each offering insights drawn from their experience across both mainstream and prime London markets.
Among the most significant reforms discussed was the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, which will require landlords to provide a valid reason to end a tenancy. The Bill outlines 20 specific grounds for doing so, with notice periods ranging from two weeks to four months depending on the circumstance.
NECESSARY EVOLUTION
Other major provisions include the end of fixed-term tenancies, with all new and existing agreements set to become rolling. Landlords will also be required to register on a new national portal and with the Landlord Ombudsman, designed to improve oversight and accountability in the sector.
From a financial standpoint, the Bill will prevent tenants from offering above the asking rent to secure a property, while landlords will no longer be permitted to request or accept more than one month’s rent in advance.
PET PERMISSIONS
Pet ownership remains a discretionary issue – tenants will be able to request permission to keep a pet, but landlords may still refuse on valid grounds, such as restrictions within head leases.
Kate Faulkner OBE said the reforms were a “necessary evolution of the rental market,” but warned that clarity and communication would be crucial to their success.
Chestertons said it has ARLA-qualified staff available to guide both landlords and tenants through the upcoming changes once the legislation takes effect.
Watch the debate HERE.
Main picture (left to right): Maria Reynolds (Canary Wharf); Wes Mohamed (South Kensington); Alice Karn (Wandsworth); Olivia Arnell (Canary Wharf) and Kate Faulkner OBE.
