Renters' Rights Bill: What Landlords Must Know Now

The property rental landscape in the East Midlands is about to undergo its most significant transformation in decades. With the Renters' Rights Bill set to take effect from early 2026, landlords across Derby and the wider region need to understand exactly what's changing and how it will impact their business. With our extensive experience in residential lettings in the East Midlands, Berry Lettings and Management is here to guide you through every aspect of this legislative overhaul.

The End of Section 21: A New Era for Landlord Rights

The most dramatic change with the Renters' Rights Bill is the complete abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions. For decades, landlords have relied on this mechanism to regain possession of their properties without providing specific grounds. From early 2026, this option disappears entirely, fundamentally reshaping how landlords manage their Berry properties.

Under the new system, landlords must demonstrate valid Section 8 grounds to regain possession. This means providing concrete evidence such as rent arrears, property damage, or breach of tenancy agreements. The days of simply serving notice without justification are numbered, and the evidence burden now falls squarely on property owners. This shift requires landlords to maintain meticulous documentation and implement robust property management systems from day one of any tenancy.

Berry Lettings understands the concerns this raises among property owners. Having managed properties throughout the East Midlands since 2019, we've developed comprehensive systems to ensure our landlord clients remain protected while fully compliant with evolving regulations. Our expertise becomes even more valuable as periodic tenancies become the new standard, replacing fixed-term agreements and creating a more stable environment for young professionals and student tenants.

What's Changing for Your Property Business

Beyond the Section 21 abolition, the Renters' Rights Bill introduces several other significant changes affecting landlords' operations. Rent increases will be limited to once per year, requiring careful financial planning and strategic pricing from the outset. This restriction means landlords can no longer make multiple adjustments to respond to market conditions or rising costs within twelve months.

New decent homes standards are being introduced, setting higher benchmarks for property conditions. These standards won't just be guidelines. Stricter property inspections with real enforcement powers will back them. Properties that fail to meet these standards could face serious consequences, making proactive maintenance and regular property assessments essential.

Most significantly for families and young professionals in Derby, Awaab's Law will become mandatory. Named after Awaab Ishak, who tragically died from mould exposure in social housing, this legislation requires landlords to address hazards within strict periods. For private landlords, this means developing rapid response systems for maintenance issues, particularly those affecting tenant health and safety.

From October 27th, Awaab's Law brings immediate obligations that every landlord must understand. The legislation mandates that landlords investigate hazards within 14 days of being notified, with repair timescales determined by the severity of the issue. Emergency hazards require action within 24 hours, while less urgent repairs must be completed within a reasonable timeframe specified by local authorities. For Berry properties across the East Midlands, this means establishing clear protocols for responding to damp, mould, and other health hazards. The law applies retroactively to all existing tenancies, not just new agreements, making immediate compliance essential. Landlords who fail to meet these deadlines face enforcement action, including potential prosecution and unlimited fines. Berry Lettings has already implemented comprehensive response systems to ensure our managed properties meet these strict timescales, protecting both landlords from penalties and young professional and student tenants from health risks.

Enhanced Tenant Protections: Understanding the Balance

While these changes might seem daunting for landlords, understanding tenant protections helps property owners prepare effectively. The Renters' Rights Bill provides tenants with stronger rights to challenge poor conditions, making property maintenance not just good practice but a legal imperative. Tenants gain better protection from unfair rent hikes, with transparent processes for challenging unreasonable increases.

One particularly notable change affects pet ownership. Under the new rules, it becomes easier for tenants to keep pets with landlord consent, and refusing permission will require valid reasons. For landlords in university areas catering to student tenants, this could mean reconsidering pet policies and potentially adjusting tenancy agreements and property preparations accordingly.

These enhanced protections do not mean landlords lose all control. Instead, they create a framework where professional property management becomes essential. Berry Lettings and Management specialises in balancing tenant rights with landlord interests, ensuring properties remain profitable while meeting all legal requirements.

Making the Transition Seamless with Berry Lettings

As part of The Berry Group, which brings extensive property industry expertise from construction to manufacturing, Berry Lettings offers unique advantages in navigating these changes. We do not just react to new regulations; we proactively prepare our landlord clients before laws take effect, ensuring they're ready well in advance rather than scrambling at the last minute.

Our comprehensive approach includes conducting property inspections to identify issues that might conflict with new standards, updating all documentation to ensure full compliance, and establishing clear communication channels with tenants about their rights and responsibilities. We handle the complex administrative burden, allowing landlords to focus on their investment strategy rather than regulatory compliance.

Our local knowledge proves invaluable for residential lettings in the East Midlands. We understand the specific challenges facing Derby landlords, from managing student properties during term time to maintaining homes for young professionals who demand high standards. Our robust systems for management and distribution have made us one of the most popular letting agencies in the region, and these same systems position us perfectly to handle the Renters' Rights Bill requirements.

Preparing Your Properties Today

It is time to prepare for these changes, not when they become law. Landlords who wait risk facing significant challenges when the new rules take effect. Berry Lettings recommends starting with a comprehensive property audit, assessing current documentation and procedures, and identifying any maintenance issues that could conflict with new standards.

Under this new framework, professional property management becomes more valuable than ever. Compliance's complexity, enhanced tenant protections, and stricter enforcement make expert guidance essential. Our team stays constantly updated on legislative developments, ensuring our clients never fall foul of changing requirements.

Whether you're managing student accommodation or properties for young professionals, Berry Lettings provides the expertise and support needed to thrive in this new regulatory environment. Our commitment to excellent service and our robust management systems ensure landlords and tenants benefit from a professional, compliant approach to property letting.

Your Partner Through Change

The Renters' Rights Bill represents the most significant generational shift in landlord rights and responsibilities. While these changes might seem overwhelming, they're manageable with the proper support and preparation. Berry Lettings stands ready to guide landlords through every aspect of this transition, ensuring continued success in the evolving residential lettings East Midlands market.

Contact Berry Lettings today at lettings@theberrygroup.co.uk or call 01332 416821 to discuss how we can help prepare your properties for the future.

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