Ensure You’re Protected: The Renters’ Rights Bill is Coming

The UK rental market is on the brink of significant change with the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, which introduces stronger tenant protections and increased risks for landlords. Forward planning is essential, as when the bill becomes law it will take far longer than it currently does to evict tenants; potentially taking between 9 and 12 months.  

A major reform is the ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, meaning landlords will need to prove fault under specific Section 8 grounds to regain possession.

What do you need to know about Section 8 and Mandatory Grounds for Possession?

Using a Section 8 notice, the court must grant possession under these grounds if they are proven, as they are considered mandatory grounds:

• Ground 1: The landlord needs the property as their main home (past or future).
• Ground 2: The property is subject to a mortgage, and the lender has the right to sell.
• Ground 3: The property was a short-term holiday let (tenancy not exceeding 8 months).
• Ground 4: The property is student accommodation let out of term (tenancy not exceeding 12 months).
• Ground 5: The property belongs to a minister of religion.
• Ground 6: The property requires redevelopment.
• Ground 7: The tenant has passed away.
• Ground 8: The tenant is in rental arrears.

Ground 1 is a new ground which will be introduced with the new bill.

Key Changes for Landlords:

• In terms of a timeline, the Second Reading has been Completed: The bill had its second reading in the House of Lords on 4th February 2025 and is expected to become law around Easter 2025.
• No Transition Period: It is thought that all fixed-term tenancies will automatically convert to periodic tenancies from the specified commencement date and all Section 21 notices will be banned.

These changes will make it harder for landlords to evict tenants, and courts are likely to face delays in handling possession cases.

The Importance of Rent and Legal Protection (RLP):

This is a policy to ensure the payment of your rent and legal expenses should you need to evict, which provides you with critical support and financial security, especially in scenarios where regaining possession becomes a prolonged process. With notice periods extending, and court delays growing, this could mean you have to wait over 12 months before you will be able to gain eviction. Could you wait this long without payment of your rent? An RLP policy will ensure your rent is paid to you during this time.

Key Features of an RLP policy:

• Rent protection until vacant possession is secured.
• Rent recovery services for arrears.
• Eviction management for tenants who breach agreements or squatters.
• Legal coverage to pursue tenants for property damage.
• Coverage of costs and disputes with contractual parties.
• Alternative accommodation if the landlord needs to return to the property.

Why RLP is Essential:

Even with thorough tenant screening, rent arrears can affect any landlord. Here at Andrews Property Group, we have a fantastic Rent and Legal Policy which safeguards your income, covers agent fees, and ensures legal proceedings are handled professionally. Some of the great benefits include:

• Nil Excess for claims submitted within 45 days, you'll receive 100% of the monthly rent until vacant protection, there is no cap on the number of months covered. 
• Up to 6 weeks at 90% of rent paid after vacant possession.
• £100,000 legal expenses including eviction for rent arrears, subletting and failure to vacate after a Section 21.
• Up to £250 property damage costs paid above the deposit amount, plus legal expenses to pursue the tenant for any damage over £1000.
• Property damage cover for civil dispute expenses on damages over £1,000.
• Contract dispute protection covering costs in disputes of over £100.

Take the stress out of property letting. Contact your local letting branch today to learn more about our Rent and Legal Protection cover and how we can help you rent your property stress free. Give yourself peace of mind with the guarantee that your rent is covered with our excellent Rent and Legal Policy.