Landlords and tenants urged to be aware of biggest rental law changes in a generation
We are encouraging landlords and tenants across Gateshead to be aware of major changes to private renting, as the new Renters' Rights Act came into force on Friday 1 May.
The new law introduces the biggest changes to the private rented sector in decades, giving tenants greater protection and security while setting clearer rules for private landlords.
Among the major changes introduced are:
- the end of Section 21 'no fault' evictions, meaning landlords will no longer be able to ask tenants to leave without a valid legal reason
- an end to fixed-term tenancies, with most rental agreements becoming rolling tenancies that offer tenants more security
- limits on rent increases, restricting landlords to one increase per year with at least two months' notice
- a ban on rental bidding wars, meaning landlords and agents must advertise a set rent and cannot accept higher offers
- limits on rent in advance, with a maximum on one month up front, reducing costs for tenants
- new protections against discrimination, making it illegal to refuse tenants simply because they have children or receive benefits
- the right for tenants to request a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse
- clearer information for tenants, with landlords required to provide written details of tenancy terms and rights
The reforms are designed to make renting fairer and more stable for tenants while helping responsible landlords by setting out clearer expectations and improving standards across the sector.
The changes are expected to benefit tenants through stronger protections, fairer access to housing and greater certainty around rents, while landlords will benefit from clearer legal processes and a more transparent system.
Samantha Allcott, Strategic Director for Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities at Gateshead Council, said:
"The Renters' Rights Act is a major step forward for everyone involved in the private rented sector. It will give tenants greater security and confidence in their homes, while also giving landlords clearer rules and a fairer framework to work within.
"Most landlords in Gateshead want to provide safe, decent homes and these changes will help support that. We would encourage landlords and tenants alike to understand the new requirements, so they're aware their rights and responsibilities and are complying with the law."
The new legislation will also strengthen our powers to enforce housing standards and act where landlords fail to meet their responsibilities. This includes issuing penalties of up to £40,000 for offences such as failing to meet required housing standards, failing to follow the new tenancy rules, illegal eviction or harassment.
We will continue to work with landlords, tenants and partners to raise awareness of the changes to private renting, and provide support and guidance to help encourage compliance with the new legislation.
More information about the new law is available on the Government's Renting is Changing website, with specific resources for landlords and tenants.
For support contact our Private Sector Housing Team on 0191 433 2350 or [email protected]
We are encouraging landlords and tenants across Gateshead to be aware of major changes to private renting, as the new Renters' Rights Act came into force on Friday 1 May.
The new law introduces the biggest changes to the private rented sector in decades, giving tenants greater protection and security while setting clearer rules for private landlords.
Among the major changes introduced are:
- the end of Section 21 'no fault' evictions, meaning landlords will no longer be able to ask tenants to leave without a valid legal reason
- an end to fixed-term tenancies, with most rental agreements becoming rolling tenancies that offer tenants more security
- limits on rent increases, restricting landlords to one increase per year with at least two months' notice
- a ban on rental bidding wars, meaning landlords and agents must advertise a set rent and cannot accept higher offers
- limits on rent in advance, with a maximum on one month up front, reducing costs for tenants
- new protections against discrimination, making it illegal to refuse tenants simply because they have children or receive benefits
- the right for tenants to request a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse
- clearer information for tenants, with landlords required to provide written details of tenancy terms and rights
The reforms are designed to make renting fairer and more stable for tenants while helping responsible landlords by setting out clearer expectations and improving standards across the sector.
The changes are expected to benefit tenants through stronger protections, fairer access to housing and greater certainty around rents, while landlords will benefit from clearer legal processes and a more transparent system.
Samantha Allcott, Strategic Director for Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities at Gateshead Council, said:
"The Renters' Rights Act is a major step forward for everyone involved in the private rented sector. It will give tenants greater security and confidence in their homes, while also giving landlords clearer rules and a fairer framework to work within.
"Most landlords in Gateshead want to provide safe, decent homes and these changes will help support that. We would encourage landlords and tenants alike to understand the new requirements, so they're aware their rights and responsibilities and are complying with the law."
The new legislation will also strengthen our powers to enforce housing standards and act where landlords fail to meet their responsibilities. This includes issuing penalties of up to £40,000 for offences such as failing to meet required housing standards, failing to follow the new tenancy rules, illegal eviction or harassment.
We will continue to work with landlords, tenants and partners to raise awareness of the changes to private renting, and provide support and guidance to help encourage compliance with the new legislation.
More information about the new law is available on the Government's Renting is Changing website, with specific resources for landlords and tenants.
For support contact our Private Sector Housing Team on 0191 433 2350 or [email protected]
