Be prepared – your essential guide to getting ready for Renters’ Rights
The summer months can offer some much-needed downtime for most of us – but with a wealth of legislation change on the horizon, now is the perfect time to take stock and make sure you are prepared.
We offer a huge range of documents, guides and related resources on everything from getting started in the industry to in-depth detail on safety and standards, with almost two million documents downloaded from our website in the last five years.
Now, with the Renters’ Rights Bill set to turn the way we run our businesses on its head, there is no better time to make sure you are doing things right – with more and more of you taking to our website for all the very latest information and advice.
The Bill, which is set to gain Royal Assent in the coming months, will bring in a raft of changes, including the loss of section 21 repossession rights, the abolition on the fixed term tenancy and the introduction of a new Decent Homes Standard and PRS database.
Ahead of this we are sharing some of our key resources to help you when it comes to reviewing your portfolio and processes – as well as mitigating the risks associated with the new rules.
Popular resources right now
The loss of section 21 means landlords will need to rely on a set of grounds to take back possession of their homes. As a result, many of you say you are starting to tighten up your tenant referencing, to help minimise the risk of tenants building arrears or breaching other terms of their tenancy.
Our tenant referencing service offers discounted referencing to assess potential tenants.
The loss of the fixed term will also mark a major shift in the way the PRS operates, with our guide to contractual and periodic tenancies becoming increasingly popular as you prepare.
Also among our most popular resources right now are our new Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement templates. With key elements of the Bill now clearer, we’ve updated our tenancy agreements, so that you and your tenants have clarity around the terms of your agreement in line with the new rules. You can read more about the changes here.
Of course, there are all kinds of reasons why it may be necessary to end a tenancy – and it is vital that you get it right. Should you need to repossess your rental home, our Ending Your Tenancy guide and resources give you the essential information and tools you need to navigate the process.
Checklist: Getting ready for Renters’ Rights now
While the Bill has yet to make its final passage through the Commons, you can start to prepare now, using the invaluable Renters’ Rights checklist created by our policy team.
This includes advice on:
- Reviewing your portfolio
- Inspecting your properties and addressing any potential hazards
- Updating your processes around tenant referencing, advertising, and logging complaints/issues
- And, if you use an agent to let or manage your properties, checking they are ready for the changes.
Our award-winning training academy has also developed a comprehensive Renters’ Rights Training course. Thousands of landlords have already completed the training, and with eClassroom and eLearning options available, August is the perfect time to get educated when it comes to the finer detail of the Bill.
Looking further ahead
The current warm and dry period is also the perfect time to check for any issues with your rental properties and organise repairs ahead of the autumn and winter months, with our webpages offering advice on:
- Protecting your property from extreme winter weather
- Managing costs during a cold winter
- Tackling damp and mould.
Taking action now can avoid more costly and invasive repairs later on – which can also be impacted by bad weather and falling temperatures.
Looking even further forward, landlords can also check out the latest on the Government's minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) proposals. With current plans proposing all new tenancies will need to meet the new standards by 2028 it's worth staying ahead of the game, with NRLA training and resources on hand to support you.
Make the most of your member benefits
Getting the essentials done right now can make a world of difference further down the track, so it pays to be prepared with the NRLA.
Comprehensive advice, guidance and resources are among your key member benefits, and of course our team of specialist advisers is also available to take your calls on all aspects of renting during office hours. The landlord support line – one of our most popular resources is available on 0161 9620010.
For more information on the Renters’ Rights Bill and its progression through Parliament, as well as FAQs and links to all our resources, visit our exclusive members’ hub here.
You can also check out our popular services hub, which includes links to a wide range of NRLA partners and recognised suppliers, many of whom offer exclusive discounts or benefits for NRLA members. Visit our Services Hub here to find out more.
