Renters' Rights Act: Exclusive member webinar series
This week saw the first of our exclusive, member-only webinar series focusing on the detail of the new Renters' Rights Act.
More than 750 of you joined us on Wednesday for expert insight and practical guidance on the changes ahead and an interactive Q&A session.
James Wood, our head of policy, opened by confirming that while the Renters' Rights Act received Royal Assent on 27th October, nothing has changed in practice, with a transition period set to be announced before implementation.
As well as running through detail of the major changes set to be introduced, we also outlined positive steps you can take now to get ready.
These include:
- Reviewing your portfolio for risk
- Ensuring every tenancy has a written agreement
- Checking you're meeting all legal obligations.
You should also consider whether your current rents are sustainable under the new system and increase them now, if necessary, as the new regime will make introducing increases more difficult.
Thorough tenant referencing will also become even more critical in the post-Section 21 era, so we’re advised you to review your selection processes ahead of time.
Your questions
The session also offered you the option to submit your own questions to the panel.
One particular area of concern was the news that tenants will now be able to serve notice via WhatsApp, with a number of questions on the legalities surrounding this change.
Other common questions focussed on repossession, rent increases, the tribunal system, property standards and guarantors, with a number of student landlords also asking questions on rent in advance in relation to international students.
Another of the most common questions focussed on whether landlords will need existing tenants to sign new contracts once the Act has been implemented – with the team able to assure you that, while all landlords will need to issue information about the new rules to existing tenants within the first month of commencement, they won’t need to sign new tenancy agreements.
Getting ready and educated
Training and development officer Craig Purvis also joined the recording to highlight the comprehensive training support available, including our comprehensive Renters' Rights Act training and five deep-dive courses covering specific areas including student lettings, enforcement, and ending tenancies – click here to book your place for our comprehensive training programme.
Continuing the series
This webinar is the first of three developed to guide members through the transition period.
Our next session on 25th November will focus on what happens to existing tenancies as they transition to assured periodic tenancies under the Act. To book onto the webinar, which starts at 11am, click here
The final webinar on 10th December will cover the new private rented sector database and landlord ombudsman, and will also start at 11am. To book click here.
More information
- To access frequently asked questions about the legislation, click here.
- To visit our Renters’ Rights Hub, packed with information and resources to help you manage the transition click here.
