Renters’ Rights Bill Update: Separating Landlord Fear from Fact with Putterills
The upcoming reforms to the private rented sector are generating significant discussion, and with so much information circulating, it’s easy for anxieties to build.
Many dedicated landlords, including those we work with across Hertfordshire, are understandably concerned about what these changes will mean for them, their properties, and their investments.
However, as a Propertymark-accredited agent, Putterills is at the forefront of understanding these reforms. We believe that by separating the fears from the facts, a clearer picture emerges. The goal of the new legislation is not to penalise good landlords, but to provide clarity, raise standards across the board, and create a fairer market for everyone.
Here, we address some of the most common fears we’ve heard from landlords, countering them with the facts.
FEAR: "I’ll no longer have control over who lives in my property."
FACT:
This is one of the most significant concerns, but it is unfounded. While the landscape is changing, the fundamentals of good letting remain. As your Propertymark-accredited letting agent, Putterills remains your key partner. We will continue to conduct all essential checks on affordability, referencing, and Right to Rent, ensuring you have all the information needed to choose the right tenants for your property. Our rigorous processes give you peace of mind and confidence in your tenant selection.
FEAR: "As a landlord, I’m being held to ever-higher standards. Am I better off just selling?"
FACT:
Housing safety standards are in place for a crucial reason: to make the expectations clear. Landlords already have a duty of care to provide a safe home. These standards help to identify and penalise non-compliant landlords, making the sector fairer for the majority who already do the right thing. As a certified and accredited Propertymark agent, Putterills ensures you are guided by professionals who are already up-to-date with proposed housing safety standards. By working with us, you'll already be meeting or exceeding the proposed housing safety standards, making your decision to stay in the sector a confident one.
FEAR: "Can I still evict a tenant if they break the terms of their agreement or fail to look after my property?"
FACT:
Yes. All landlords want to find and keep good tenants. However, the right to reclaim your property when a tenant fails to pay rent or breaks the terms of their tenancy is fundamental. If a tenant breaks the terms, they can be evicted.The key change is that evidence and effective management will be essential if the case goes to court. This is precisely why using a qualified, reputable letting agent like Putterills to manage your tenancy, meticulously document everything, and handle the process correctly is more important than ever.
FEAR: "In-progress Section 21 evictions will become invalid."
FACT:
The reforms include transitional measures. If the court has been asked to issue a claim for possession using a Section 21 notice before the commencement date of the new Act, it can still go ahead.
FEAR: "The Act forces agents and landlords to allow pets without any protections."
FACT:
This is a common misconception. The new rules do not remove your control. As your agent, Putterills will advise you on the process. A landlord will be able to request more information about the pet and will have a set number of days to give or refuse consent in writing.
FEAR: "Letting to benefit recipients or people with children will breach the terms of my mortgage."
FACT:
The new legislation will address this directly. It will make restrictions on renting to families or those on benefits in mortgage agreements invalid. This means the landlord cannot be considered in breach of their mortgage terms for letting to these tenants.
FEAR: "Won't the new Private Rented Sector Database just make it easier to penalise landlords?"
FACT:
The purpose of the database is to provide transparency and support. For good landlords, it will be a valuable resource. You’ll be able to access guidance and support so that you understand the law and know exactly what to expect from your letting agent like Putterills.
Confidence Through Clarity with Putterills
Navigating legislative change can be complex, but the underlying message of these reforms is one of clarity and quality. The key to managing your property successfully and with peace of mind remains the same: work with a professional, qualified, and knowledgeable letting agent. As a Propertymark-accredited team, Putterills is your trusted partner in ensuring compliance, managing tenancies effectively, and protecting your investment throughout these changes.
Speak to Putterills today to understand how these updates affect you and how we can continue to support your letting success.