RENTERS can expect to see some huge changes in 2025 as major legislation passes through the House of Commons.
Changes will include a ban on no-fault evictions and stricter rules around the conditions of rented properties - including a requirement to address mould problems within 24-hours.
Many of the changes have long been called for and will be celebrated by those who rent in either the social or private sector.
The biggest piece of legislation making its way through the Commons is the Renters' Rights Bill, which will greatly increase tenant protections.
It is expected to become law later in late summer or autumn and will introduce a raft of new measures, including a ban on 'no-fault evictions'.
Tom Darling, director of the Renters' Reform Coalition, said: "This legislation is long overdue – it will give renters more peace of mind and stability in their homes, and make it easier for them to exercise their rights without fear of eviction.
"The government are also limiting the amount of rent up front landlords can demand to one month, which should make it easier for people on benefits or lower incomes to find a place to rent, and it will expand ‘Awaab’s Law’ into private renting which will force landlords to fix serious disrepair issues (like damp and mould) making homes unhealthy."
However, Tom has said there are still areas the government needs to address.
He added: "This bill won’t tackle arguably the most important issue for renters – the high cost of rents. Tenants could still be pushed out of their homes and communities by unfair rent hikes.
"The government should bring in a cap on the amount landlords can raise rent by on sitting tenants, to help keep people in their homes, and launch a National Rental Affordability Commission to find ways to make renting more affordable in the long run."
Alec McKenzie, commercial director at Zero Deposit, agreed and added: "It might be said that government focus could be better spent on delivering on their new homes target and stimulating investment in the property market which is the principal remedy for reducing the cost of renting – a leading pain point for tenants – and providing better accessibility and mobility for tenants looking to move.”
These are all the housing changes set to impact renters this year:
Awaab's Law
From October landlords of social housing properties will be required to fix emergency mould issues in 24-hours or less.
The new legislation is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died as a direct result of exposure to mould in the social home his family rented in Rochdale in 2020.
Landlords who fail to meet the new requirement could face being taken to court.
And, from October 2026 the legislation will be extended to cover a wider array of hazards in addition to mould and damp.
These are set to include: excess cold and excess heat, falls, structural collapse, fire, electrical problems and explosions as well as hygiene hazards.
The law will then be further strengthened so that from 2027 landlords will be required to fix all dangerous hazards defined under the Housing Healthy and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005.
The government also intends to extend the same rights to the private rented sector under the Renters’ Rights Bill.
Ban on 'no fault' evictions
The Renters' Rights Bill, expected to become law later this year, will extend the rights of tenants in the private rental sector.
Changes will include a ban on 'no fault' or Section 21 evictions, which saw 26,000 lose their homes in 2023.
No fault evictions are used by landlords to evict tenants, without having to provide a reason.
The change will mean that in the future landlords will always need to provide a valid reason to end a tenancy early, such as a breach of contract.
Ban on tenant discrimination
The Renters' Rights Bill will also include a ban on tenant discrimination.
This will mean that landlords will no longer be able to reject tenants because they receive benefits or have children.
The rejection of those receiving housing benefit by some private sector landlords has placed additional strain on the social housing market, but will not be allowed under the new rules.
Despite the ban landlords and agents will still have the final say on who to let a property too and can continue to request references to ensure a property is affordable for a tenant.
Rent increase limit
The Renters' Rights Bill will also ban landlords from hiking rents more than once a year.
Landlords will be allowed to increase rents to the market rate once a year, but no more.
The market rate is considered to be the price that would be achieved if the property was newly advertised to let.
If a tenant wishes to challenge a proposed rent increase they will be able to do so at a tribunal.
Limits on advance rent
Landlords also face a limit on the amount of rent they can demand to be paid upfront.
The bill will restrict the amount that can be requested before a tenancy has commenced to one month's rent.
Once a tenancy has begun landlords will be unable to request any rent be paid in advance of the agreed date.
No more bidding wars
If the Renters' Rights Bill is passed in its current form it will also put an end to bidding wars for homes.
Under the new rules an asking rent will need to be published when a property is advertised.
Bids above this price will not be allowed and cannot be accepted.
Pets
The bill will also increase tenants' rights to keep a pet in a rented property.
In future landlords must consider such requests and cannot refuse unreasonably.
However, they will be able to require pet insurance to be taken out to cover any damage caused to a property.
New ombudsman
The bill will also introduce a new ombudsman to oversee the private rental sector.
The government has said the new ombudsman will provide "quick, fair and impartial" dispute resolutions.
The move will bring the resources available to private tenants in disputes in line with those for social tenants.
Stricter energy efficiency requirements
The government is also consulting on plans that could save private renters an average of £240 on their energy bills.
The proposal would require private landlords in England and Wales to ensure properties have a minimum Energy Performance rating of C.
The requirement is expected to be introduced from 2030 and will require landlords to invest in measures such as insulation and double glazing.
While the legislation remains some years off renters may see landlords looking to get ahead of the measures in the intervening years.
Regulation of property agents
The government has also hinted that it will introduce greater controls on property agents.
Matthew Pennycook, minister for housing and planning, confirmed it was looking to consult on plans to curb unscrupulous managing agents this year.
He said that "as a minimum" it would require mandatory professional qualifications to ensure a basic standard of service.
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