Renters rights bill update

We are in the final stages of the Renters Rights Bill (RRB)and we are also approaching summer Parliamentary Recess!! Presently the timelines are for the House of Lords report stage and 3rd Reading for final debate and amendments is scheduled for 1-15th July. We will then only have 7 days before recess for Royal Assent to be granted. It will be interesting to see if the timelines fit in, for possible implementation after October. 

Why you should be looking at a rent guarantee on your tenant

Move On are pleased to announce they have upgraded their Rental Warranty in anticipation of the Renters Rights Bill. Not only will it still include paying any rent arrears and legal costs to evict a tenant it will also cover additional benefits. Here are just a few of the additions.

• Paying the rent increase if the tenant disputes and goes to First Teir Tribunal and they side with the landlord’s increase
• Paying the rent in advance on month one if the tenant does not pay and the RRB states no rent can be taken in advance (prior to move in).
• If tenant is evicted will pay 75% of the rent for a further 30 days.
• If a tenant refuses to move out and the landlord is homeless they will pay £175 per night for a hotel up to 90 days.
• Pay the landlord storage in the event of homelessness at £15 per night. 

Sanctions and PEPS 

Since the 14th May 2025, all landlords and tenants must now be checked against the UK’s Financial Sanctions list and be checked on a regular basis. Non-compliance will lead to serious financial penalties and legal action.

This is due to rental properties linked to money laundering or support criminal activities.

Update on proposed EPC rules

Key Changes and Proposed Deadlines:

• Current Minimum: The current minimum EPC rating for rental properties is E. 
• 2028: All new tenancies will need to have a minimum EPC rating of C or higher. 
• 2030: All existing tenancies will need to have a minimum EPC rating of C or higher. 
• Potential Fine: Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in a fine of up to £30,000 per property.

Landlords who fail to comply could face fines of up to £30,000 per property. The government is also consulting on reforms to the EPC system itself, potentially changing how EPCs are assessed and introducing new metrics.

In the courts

A former estate agent was sentenced to 4 years and 4 months in a London court for swindling over £200,000 out of prospective tenants for advertising properties on Rightmove for long term lets on 12 months tenancy with 25% up front. Unfortunately, the properties were being let as Airbnb, leaving the applicants homeless and considerably out of pocket.

An offer of advice

It’s clear that the lettings industry is undergoing significant changes, and staying ahead of the curve is becoming more difficult for landlords managing properties on their own. The proposed reforms, alongside the growing complexity of legal requirements, make it increasingly important for landlords to seek expert advice and services.

A single fine from the council for one breach will be £7,000 and can be £40,000 as well as a criminal conviction. Navigating the ever-changing regulations, will be a lot more difficult.

The team at Move On are committed to continuous learning and monitoring industry updates shows the value of professional property management. For landlords, that peace of mind and expertise can be incredibly valuable.

Sharon

 

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www.moveonsalesandlettings.co.uk