Propertymark says that while the Renters Rights Bill looks a dead cert to become law within months, more complex parts of it may not be implemented until next year or even 2027.
The Bill cleared the Committee Stage in the House of Lords some six weeks ago and the next step, the Report Stage, will take place next Tuesday and over two further days of debate before mid-July. Royal Assent appears likely in early September when MPs return to the Commons after their summer break.
The trade body says that changes to tenancy agreements and possession rules may come into effect later this year “more complex elements, such as the landlord and agent database and the Decent Homes Standard, are expected to follow in 2026 or 2027.”
Propertymark is urging agents to take three steps ahead of the Bill passing into law.
Firstly, talk to landlord clients. It says: “The Renters Rights Bill is likely to introduce higher costs and risks for landlords, which letting agents should prepare to manage. These include a potential increase in void periods (especially in HMOs and student lets), delays in gaining possession through court, constraints on rent collection – eg, no advance payments before signing the tenancy, and new fees for joining the database and Ombudsman scheme.
“It is also important that landlords are aware of the consequences of non-compliance. Civil penalties will be extended, and local councils will have a new duty to take enforcement action. First or minor non-compliance will incur a civil penalty of up to £7,000 with serious or repeat non-compliance, a civil penalty of up to £40,000. The most serious cases could face criminal prosecution and unlimited fines.”
Secondly, Propertymark urges agents to audit their portfolio. It notes that while the specifics of the new Decent Homes Standard for the private sector have yet to be agreed, in the social sector – where the standard already exists – properties must be in a reasonable state of repair, and offer a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.
The trade body says the standard means properties must have reasonably modern facilities and services” “A benchmark is for kitchens to be under 20 years old and bathrooms under 30 years old.”
Special attention is also likely to be made to the spread of mould, excessive heat or cold, major structural issues that could cause injury, and potential carbon monoxide leaks.
Thirdly, agents are urged to update their processes and train their teams, including taking advantage of Propertymark’s own specialist training on the Bill’s measures.
