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Having recently changed Managing Agent to Property Genius I am very happy with the service so far. Very efficient and signed up a new tenant promptly cutting down on void period. Thoroughly recommended and a vast improvement on previous Agent.
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First time using Property Genius for letting out a property, quick turnaround from handing over keys, to advertising and getting new tenants in. A great professional service provided by Graeme and the team, very competitive rates (reason why we switched from another local agent we had been using for years) Highly recommend and will be using them again very shortly!
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We have been with Property Genius letting and managing our properties for the past 5 years and are delighted with the team. When the properties are available to let it’s always a quick turnaround, reasonable rates, very professional, friendly and always at hand when needed. Highly recommend!!
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Mar 15, 2025
"The Renters' Rights Bill Part 6" - Pets in Rentals
While many landlords have traditionally had a ‘no pets’ policy, the new law aims to make it easier for renters to have animals in their homes. But what does this mean for landlords and tenants? Can landlords still refuse pets? How can a landlord protect their property from potential damage? Let’s break it down. What’s Changing? ❗️ Landlords Can No Longer Issue a Blanket ‘No Pets’ Policy Tenants will now have the legal right to request permission to have a pet, and landlords cannot refuse unreasonably. This applies to all rental properties, regardless of whether a previous tenancy agreement banned pets. ❗️ Landlords Must Provide a Valid Reason for Refusing Pets If a landlord wants to deny a tenant’s request, they must provide a reasonable, justifiable reason. Examples of acceptable reasons might include: The property is unsuitable for pets (e.g., small apartments, no outdoor space). The freeholder or lease agreement prohibits pets. The tenant cannot care for the pet responsibly or has a history of property damage. ❗️ Pet-Friendly Policies Should Be Fair & Consistent Landlords cannot discriminate without just cause and must consider each request on a case-by-case basis. They may set reasonable conditions for allowing pets, such as requiring tenants to ensure the pet is well-trained and doesn’t cause nuisance. ❗️ Tenants Can Be Required to Have Pet Insurance To protect against potential property damage, landlords can request that tenants obtain pet insurance before allowing pets in the home. This provides financial protection in case of damage to carpets, furniture, or fixtures. Implications for Landlords ⚠️ More Risk of Property Damage Pets can cause scratches, odours, and wear and tear that might exceed normal tenant use. Without proper insurance, landlords may have to cover repair costs themselves. ⚠️ Potential for Noise or Complaints from Neighbours Barking dogs or disruptive pets could cause issues with other tenants or neighbours. Landlords may need to set clear rules on pet behaviour and responsibilities. ⚠️ Limited Ability to Refuse Pets in Some Cases While landlords can still reject pets, they must have a legally valid reason—which could be challenged by tenants. Leasehold properties where the freeholder bans pets may be one of the few scenarios where refusal is straightforward. ⚠️ Impact on Tenant Demand & Rental Values Some landlords worry that allowing pets will make properties harder to maintain, while others see pet-friendly rentals as an opportunity. With more renters owning pets, landlords who allow them could attract a wider pool of tenants and reduce void periods. How Landlords Can Adapt & Protect Their Properties ✅ 1. Set Clear Pet Policies in the Tenancy Agreement Outline expectations for tenants with pets, including: Pet size and breed restrictions (if applicable). Noise and behaviour guidelines to prevent disturbances. ✅ 2. Require Tenants to Have Pet Insurance Request that tenants obtain insurance to cover pet-related damage, ensuring financial protection for landlords. ✅ 3. Conduct Regular Property Inspections Schedule periodic inspections to assess any pet-related damage early. Ensure tenants are maintaining the property in a clean and responsible manner. ✅ 4. Consider a Higher Rent or Pet Premium While landlords cannot charge a separate ‘pet deposit’, they can set a slightly higher monthly rent to account for additional wear and tear. Ensure any adjustments remain fair and competitive within the local rental market. ✅ 5. Use a Managed Service to Handle Pet Requests & Compliance A professional property management service can: Assess and process pet requests in line with legal guidelines. Ensure tenancy agreements include proper pet clauses. Handle disputes if tenants challenge pet refusals. Manage inspections and maintenance to keep the property in good condition. The Bottom Line: A Balanced Approach is Key The Renters’ Rights Bill shifts the balance towards allowing pets, but landlords still have options to protect their properties. With the right approach, landlords can: ✔️ Minimise risk while complying with the law. ✔️ Attract responsible, long-term tenants. ✔️ Avoid legal disputes over unfair pet refusals. Need help managing pet requests and staying compliant? Our expert team can ensure your property remains protected, profitable, and legally sound. ...
Mar 13, 2025
"The Renters' Rights Bill Part 5" - Student Tenancies & The Renters’ Rights Bill: What Landlords Need to Know
The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to introduce sweeping changes to the private rental sector, and student landlords are not exempt. With the abolition of fixed-term tenancies, many landlords renting to students are left wondering: ✔️ How will student lets be affected? ✔️ Can landlords still guarantee properties are available for the next academic year? ✔️ What should student landlords do to adapt? In this article, we’ll break down what’s changing and how landlords can protect their income and keep their student properties occupied year after year. What’s Changing for Student Tenancies? ❗️ Fixed-Term Tenancies Are Being Replaced by Rolling Periodic Tenancies Under the new law, all ASTs will automatically convert to periodic tenancies. This means landlords cannot guarantee that student tenants will leave at the end of the academic year, potentially causing issues with securing new tenants. ❗️ New Section 8 Grounds for Student Landlords The government recognises that student landlords need properties back for new academic intakes. A new mandatory ground (4A) allows student landlords to regain possession, but this only applies if the property is specifically let to students. Educational institution-owned properties will have additional protections, but private landlords will need to handle tenancy transitions carefully. ❗️ Potential for Increased Voids & Uncertainty Previously, landlords could issue fixed-term 12-month contracts, ensuring rental income for a full academic year. Now, students could stay beyond the academic year, leave unexpectedly mid-year, or serve two months’ notice at any time, making planning more difficult. How Should Student Landlords Adapt? ✅ 1. Ensure Tenancy Agreements Are Tailored to Student Lettings Clearly define in the contract that the property is intended for student accommodation to qualify for Section 8 eviction under Ground 4A. Keep evidence (e.g., university enrollment records) to prove that tenants are students. ✅ 2. Time Evictions Carefully to Align with the Academic Year If using Section 8 Ground 4A, ensure notices are served correctly and in advance to guarantee possession before the new academic year. A managed service can help navigate legal complexities and avoid errors. ✅ 3. Market Properties Early & Secure New Tenants in Advance If tenants don’t give notice, landlords may not be able to advertise the property until they vacate, delaying the next tenancy. Encourage early discussions with tenants about their plans for the next academic year. ✅ 4. Consider Offering Incentives for Fixed-Term Stays While fixed-term ASTs are being abolished, landlords can still offer rent discounts or perks for tenants who commit to staying for a full academic year. ✅ 5. Protect Against Rent Arrears with Rent Guarantee Insurance Student tenants may have unpredictable finances, making arrears a higher risk. Rent Guarantee Insurance ensures landlords are still paid, even if tenants fail to keep up with rent payments. ✅ 6. Use a Managed Service for Compliance & Tenant Turnover A fully managed service ensures student landlords: ✔️ Handle tenancy transitions smoothly. ✔️ Stay compliant with Section 8 regulations. ✔️ Avoid legal mistakes that could delay re-letting. ✔️ Secure new tenants quickly to minimise void periods. The Bottom Line: Proactive Management is Key Student landlords face new challenges under the Renters’ Rights Bill, but with the right approach, it’s still possible to maintain steady rental income and avoid disruptions. Need help adapting your student lets to the new laws? Our expert team can: ✔️ Ensure your tenancies remain compliant under Section 8. ✔️ Manage tenancy transitions efficiently to minimise voids. ✔️ Secure rent guarantee protection so you get paid, even if students don’t. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you navigate the changing student rental landscape! ...
Mar 13, 2025
"The Renters' Rights Bill Part 4" - Evictions Under Section 8: Navigating the New Landscape
With the abolition of Section 21 under the Renters’ Rights Bill, landlords will now have to rely solely on Section 8 to regain possession of their properties. While the government has expanded the grounds for eviction, the process is still more complex, time-consuming, and potentially costly if not handled correctly. So, what does this mean for landlords? How can they navigate the new rules while protecting their rental income? Here’s what you need to know. What’s Changing? ❗️ No More ‘No-Fault’ Evictions Previously, Section 21 allowed landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason—this will no longer be possible. Instead, landlords must prove valid legal grounds under Section 8 to remove a tenant. ❗️ Expanded Grounds for Possession To compensate for the loss of Section 21, the government is introducing new and revised grounds under Section 8, including: Selling the property (new ground – requires 12 months of tenancy before use) Landlord or family moving in (new ground – requires 12 months of tenancy before use) Tenant in serious rent arrears (Ground 8 amended – at least 3 months of arrears required) Persistent late rent payments (new ground – even if not in full arrears) Anti-social behaviour (more stringent enforcement – Ground 7A) Tenant causing property damage (Ground 13 revised) ❗️ Evictions Will Take Longer Court backlogs and tenant appeals could mean a longer wait to regain possession. Mistakes in paperwork or missing deadlines can delay the process further. ❗️ Higher Risk of Financial Loss for Landlords Delays in eviction mean landlords may go months without rent. Rent arrears cases could take over a year to resolve if they go to court. Implications for Landlords ⚠️ Evictions Are No Longer a Quick Option Section 8 cases require strong legal grounds and can be challenged by tenants. A single mistake on the notice could result in the eviction being denied or delayed. ⚠️ Risk of Long-Term Rent Arrears Landlords can only evict for rent arrears if the tenant is at least 3 months behind. Even then, the process takes time, meaning landlords may face significant income loss. ⚠️ More Burden on Self-Managing Landlords Handling Section 8 correctly requires expertise—self-managing landlords risk making mistakes. Increased legal and administrative work makes professional management more attractive. How Landlords Can Protect Themselves ✅ 1. Strengthen Tenant Screening & Referencing The best way to avoid eviction issues is to place reliable tenants in the first place. Use thorough credit checks, income verification, and rental history assessments. ✅ 2. Keep Detailed Records & Documentation Document everything—rent payments, tenant communication, property inspections. Proper documentation strengthens your case if an eviction is necessary. ✅ 3. Understand the New Section 8 Grounds Ensure you know which eviction grounds apply to different situations. Follow correct legal procedures to avoid disputes or rejected notices. ✅ 4. Consider a Managed Service for Legal & Compliance Support A professional property management service ensures all eviction processes are handled legally and efficiently. This reduces landlord stress, risk of mistakes, and potential legal costs. ✅ 5. Protect Your Income with Rent Guarantee Insurance If a tenant stops paying rent, landlords could wait months before regaining possession. Rent Guarantee Insurance (included in our managed service) ensures landlords continue to receive rental payments even if eviction is delayed. How We Can Help Navigating Section 8 evictions can be stressful, but our fully managed service ensures you stay protected: We handle all legal compliance, ensuring evictions are processed correctly. We assist with tenant referencing, reducing the risk of rent arrears and eviction cases. We provide Rent Guarantee Insurance, protecting landlords from income loss. We manage all paperwork and court procedures, saving you time and hassle. Worried about how the new eviction rules affect you? Get in touch today to see how we can protect your rental income and keep you legally compliant! ...
Mar 13, 2025
"The Renters' Rights Bill Part 3" - Rent Increases Under Section 13: The New Rules
The Renters’ Rights Bill is introducing a major change to how landlords can increase rent. Under the new rules, Section 13 will become the only legal method for raising rent in periodic tenancies. This means landlords can no longer rely on rent review clauses, fixed-term renewals, or private agreements with tenants. While this change aims to create a fairer and more transparent system, it also limits landlord flexibility and increases the risk of rent disputes. So, how can landlords stay compliant, ensure fair rent increases, and avoid financial losses? Let’s break it down. What’s Changing? ❗️ No More Fixed-Term Rent Increases Traditionally, landlords could negotiate rent increases at the end of a fixed term or include rent review clauses in tenancy agreements. With fixed-term ASTs being abolished, these methods will no longer be valid—rent increases must follow Section 13. ❗️ Section 13 Becomes the Only Rent Increase Method Landlords can only increase rent using a formal Section 13 notice. This applies to all periodic tenancies, including those that were previously fixed-term. ❗️ Extended Notice Period for Rent Increases Landlords must now give at least two months’ notice (instead of one) before a rent increase takes effect. ❗️ Tenants Can Challenge Rent Increases More Easily If tenants believe the new rent is above market value, they can appeal to a tribunal. The tribunal may reject the increase if it finds the rent is higher than comparable local properties. Implications for Landlords ⚠️ Loss of Flexibility in Adjusting Rent Landlords can now only raise rent once per year and must follow strict legal procedures. No more informal agreements or mid-term rent reviews. ⚠️ Risk of Rent Disputes & Tribunal Challenges If rent is deemed too high, tenants can challenge it in a tribunal, leading to delays or a ruling against the landlord. Landlords must justify increases based on local market rates. ⚠️ Tighter Timelines for Rent Reviews Since rent can only be increased once per year, missing deadlines means lost income for another 12 months. ⚠️ Increased Administrative Burden Landlords must issue formal notices correctly—errors could mean delays or rejection of the rent increase. How Landlords Can Adapt & Stay Compliant ✅ 1. Time Your Rent Increases Carefully Since rent reviews are now limited to once per year, landlords should plan ahead and review rental market trends regularly. Missing a rent review deadline could mean waiting another 12 months before increasing rent. ✅ 2. Ensure Rent Increases Are Market-Aligned Use local rental market data to justify increases and avoid tenant disputes. If tenants appeal to a tribunal, landlords must prove that the rent increase is fair compared to similar properties. ✅ 3. Issue Section 13 Notices Correctly Form 4 (the official Section 13 notice) must be completed accurately and served correctly to tenants. Mistakes could result in delays or a failed rent increase. ✅ 4. Consider a Managed Service for Rent Reviews Managing rent increases under the new system requires precision and compliance expertise. A professional property management service can handle rent reviews, ensuring timely and legally sound rent increases. ✅ 5. Protect Your Income with Rent Guarantee Insurance With stricter rent rules and possible disputes, financial security is more important than ever. Rent Guarantee Insurance (included in our managed service) ensures landlords get paid on time even if tenants default or appeal a rent increase. How We Can Help Navigating rent increases under Section 13 can be time-consuming and legally complex. Our fully managed servicemakes rent reviews hassle-free by: Monitoring rent review deadlines so you never miss an increase. Handling Section 13 notices correctly to avoid legal mistakes. Using market data to set fair and justified rent adjustments. Providing Rent Guarantee Insurance to protect your income. Want expert support with rent increases? Get in touch today and let us handle the hard work—so you can focus on growing your rental income stress-free! ...
Mar 15, 2025
"The Renters' Rights Bill Part 6" - Pets in Rentals
While many landlords have traditionally had a ‘no pets’ policy, the new law aims to make it easier for renters to have animals in their homes. But what does this mean for landlords and tenants? Can landlords still refuse pets? How can a landlord protect their property from potential damage? Let’s break it down. What’s Changing? ❗️ Landlords Can No Longer Issue a Blanket ‘No Pets’ Policy Tenants will now have the legal right to request permission to have a pet, and landlords cannot refuse unreasonably. This applies to all rental properties, regardless of whether a previous tenancy agreement banned pets. ❗️ Landlords Must Provide a Valid Reason for Refusing Pets If a landlord wants to deny a tenant’s request, they must provide a reasonable, justifiable reason. Examples of acceptable reasons might include: The property is unsuitable for pets (e.g., small apartments, no outdoor space). The freeholder or lease agreement prohibits pets. The tenant cannot care for the pet responsibly or has a history of property damage. ❗️ Pet-Friendly Policies Should Be Fair & Consistent Landlords cannot discriminate without just cause and must consider each request on a case-by-case basis. They may set reasonable conditions for allowing pets, such as requiring tenants to ensure the pet is well-trained and doesn’t cause nuisance. ❗️ Tenants Can Be Required to Have Pet Insurance To protect against potential property damage, landlords can request that tenants obtain pet insurance before allowing pets in the home. This provides financial protection in case of damage to carpets, furniture, or fixtures. Implications for Landlords ⚠️ More Risk of Property Damage Pets can cause scratches, odours, and wear and tear that might exceed normal tenant use. Without proper insurance, landlords may have to cover repair costs themselves. ⚠️ Potential for Noise or Complaints from Neighbours Barking dogs or disruptive pets could cause issues with other tenants or neighbours. Landlords may need to set clear rules on pet behaviour and responsibilities. ⚠️ Limited Ability to Refuse Pets in Some Cases While landlords can still reject pets, they must have a legally valid reason—which could be challenged by tenants. Leasehold properties where the freeholder bans pets may be one of the few scenarios where refusal is straightforward. ⚠️ Impact on Tenant Demand & Rental Values Some landlords worry that allowing pets will make properties harder to maintain, while others see pet-friendly rentals as an opportunity. With more renters owning pets, landlords who allow them could attract a wider pool of tenants and reduce void periods. How Landlords Can Adapt & Protect Their Properties ✅ 1. Set Clear Pet Policies in the Tenancy Agreement Outline expectations for tenants with pets, including: Pet size and breed restrictions (if applicable). Noise and behaviour guidelines to prevent disturbances. ✅ 2. Require Tenants to Have Pet Insurance Request that tenants obtain insurance to cover pet-related damage, ensuring financial protection for landlords. ✅ 3. Conduct Regular Property Inspections Schedule periodic inspections to assess any pet-related damage early. Ensure tenants are maintaining the property in a clean and responsible manner. ✅ 4. Consider a Higher Rent or Pet Premium While landlords cannot charge a separate ‘pet deposit’, they can set a slightly higher monthly rent to account for additional wear and tear. Ensure any adjustments remain fair and competitive within the local rental market. ✅ 5. Use a Managed Service to Handle Pet Requests & Compliance A professional property management service can: Assess and process pet requests in line with legal guidelines. Ensure tenancy agreements include proper pet clauses. Handle disputes if tenants challenge pet refusals. Manage inspections and maintenance to keep the property in good condition. The Bottom Line: A Balanced Approach is Key The Renters’ Rights Bill shifts the balance towards allowing pets, but landlords still have options to protect their properties. With the right approach, landlords can: ✔️ Minimise risk while complying with the law. ✔️ Attract responsible, long-term tenants. ✔️ Avoid legal disputes over unfair pet refusals. Need help managing pet requests and staying compliant? Our expert team can ensure your property remains protected, profitable, and legally sound. ...
Mar 13, 2025
"The Renters' Rights Bill Part 5" - Student Tenancies & The Renters’ Rights Bill: What Landlords Need to Know
The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to introduce sweeping changes to the private rental sector, and student landlords are not exempt. With the abolition of fixed-term tenancies, many landlords renting to students are left wondering: ✔️ How will student lets be affected? ✔️ Can landlords still guarantee properties are available for the next academic year? ✔️ What should student landlords do to adapt? In this article, we’ll break down what’s changing and how landlords can protect their income and keep their student properties occupied year after year. What’s Changing for Student Tenancies? ❗️ Fixed-Term Tenancies Are Being Replaced by Rolling Periodic Tenancies Under the new law, all ASTs will automatically convert to periodic tenancies. This means landlords cannot guarantee that student tenants will leave at the end of the academic year, potentially causing issues with securing new tenants. ❗️ New Section 8 Grounds for Student Landlords The government recognises that student landlords need properties back for new academic intakes. A new mandatory ground (4A) allows student landlords to regain possession, but this only applies if the property is specifically let to students. Educational institution-owned properties will have additional protections, but private landlords will need to handle tenancy transitions carefully. ❗️ Potential for Increased Voids & Uncertainty Previously, landlords could issue fixed-term 12-month contracts, ensuring rental income for a full academic year. Now, students could stay beyond the academic year, leave unexpectedly mid-year, or serve two months’ notice at any time, making planning more difficult. How Should Student Landlords Adapt? ✅ 1. Ensure Tenancy Agreements Are Tailored to Student Lettings Clearly define in the contract that the property is intended for student accommodation to qualify for Section 8 eviction under Ground 4A. Keep evidence (e.g., university enrollment records) to prove that tenants are students. ✅ 2. Time Evictions Carefully to Align with the Academic Year If using Section 8 Ground 4A, ensure notices are served correctly and in advance to guarantee possession before the new academic year. A managed service can help navigate legal complexities and avoid errors. ✅ 3. Market Properties Early & Secure New Tenants in Advance If tenants don’t give notice, landlords may not be able to advertise the property until they vacate, delaying the next tenancy. Encourage early discussions with tenants about their plans for the next academic year. ✅ 4. Consider Offering Incentives for Fixed-Term Stays While fixed-term ASTs are being abolished, landlords can still offer rent discounts or perks for tenants who commit to staying for a full academic year. ✅ 5. Protect Against Rent Arrears with Rent Guarantee Insurance Student tenants may have unpredictable finances, making arrears a higher risk. Rent Guarantee Insurance ensures landlords are still paid, even if tenants fail to keep up with rent payments. ✅ 6. Use a Managed Service for Compliance & Tenant Turnover A fully managed service ensures student landlords: ✔️ Handle tenancy transitions smoothly. ✔️ Stay compliant with Section 8 regulations. ✔️ Avoid legal mistakes that could delay re-letting. ✔️ Secure new tenants quickly to minimise void periods. The Bottom Line: Proactive Management is Key Student landlords face new challenges under the Renters’ Rights Bill, but with the right approach, it’s still possible to maintain steady rental income and avoid disruptions. Need help adapting your student lets to the new laws? Our expert team can: ✔️ Ensure your tenancies remain compliant under Section 8. ✔️ Manage tenancy transitions efficiently to minimise voids. ✔️ Secure rent guarantee protection so you get paid, even if students don’t. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you navigate the changing student rental landscape! ...
Mar 13, 2025
"The Renters' Rights Bill Part 4" - Evictions Under Section 8: Navigating the New Landscape
With the abolition of Section 21 under the Renters’ Rights Bill, landlords will now have to rely solely on Section 8 to regain possession of their properties. While the government has expanded the grounds for eviction, the process is still more complex, time-consuming, and potentially costly if not handled correctly. So, what does this mean for landlords? How can they navigate the new rules while protecting their rental income? Here’s what you need to know. What’s Changing? ❗️ No More ‘No-Fault’ Evictions Previously, Section 21 allowed landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason—this will no longer be possible. Instead, landlords must prove valid legal grounds under Section 8 to remove a tenant. ❗️ Expanded Grounds for Possession To compensate for the loss of Section 21, the government is introducing new and revised grounds under Section 8, including: Selling the property (new ground – requires 12 months of tenancy before use) Landlord or family moving in (new ground – requires 12 months of tenancy before use) Tenant in serious rent arrears (Ground 8 amended – at least 3 months of arrears required) Persistent late rent payments (new ground – even if not in full arrears) Anti-social behaviour (more stringent enforcement – Ground 7A) Tenant causing property damage (Ground 13 revised) ❗️ Evictions Will Take Longer Court backlogs and tenant appeals could mean a longer wait to regain possession. Mistakes in paperwork or missing deadlines can delay the process further. ❗️ Higher Risk of Financial Loss for Landlords Delays in eviction mean landlords may go months without rent. Rent arrears cases could take over a year to resolve if they go to court. Implications for Landlords ⚠️ Evictions Are No Longer a Quick Option Section 8 cases require strong legal grounds and can be challenged by tenants. A single mistake on the notice could result in the eviction being denied or delayed. ⚠️ Risk of Long-Term Rent Arrears Landlords can only evict for rent arrears if the tenant is at least 3 months behind. Even then, the process takes time, meaning landlords may face significant income loss. ⚠️ More Burden on Self-Managing Landlords Handling Section 8 correctly requires expertise—self-managing landlords risk making mistakes. Increased legal and administrative work makes professional management more attractive. How Landlords Can Protect Themselves ✅ 1. Strengthen Tenant Screening & Referencing The best way to avoid eviction issues is to place reliable tenants in the first place. Use thorough credit checks, income verification, and rental history assessments. ✅ 2. Keep Detailed Records & Documentation Document everything—rent payments, tenant communication, property inspections. Proper documentation strengthens your case if an eviction is necessary. ✅ 3. Understand the New Section 8 Grounds Ensure you know which eviction grounds apply to different situations. Follow correct legal procedures to avoid disputes or rejected notices. ✅ 4. Consider a Managed Service for Legal & Compliance Support A professional property management service ensures all eviction processes are handled legally and efficiently. This reduces landlord stress, risk of mistakes, and potential legal costs. ✅ 5. Protect Your Income with Rent Guarantee Insurance If a tenant stops paying rent, landlords could wait months before regaining possession. Rent Guarantee Insurance (included in our managed service) ensures landlords continue to receive rental payments even if eviction is delayed. How We Can Help Navigating Section 8 evictions can be stressful, but our fully managed service ensures you stay protected: We handle all legal compliance, ensuring evictions are processed correctly. We assist with tenant referencing, reducing the risk of rent arrears and eviction cases. We provide Rent Guarantee Insurance, protecting landlords from income loss. We manage all paperwork and court procedures, saving you time and hassle. Worried about how the new eviction rules affect you? Get in touch today to see how we can protect your rental income and keep you legally compliant! ...
Mar 13, 2025
"The Renters' Rights Bill Part 3" - Rent Increases Under Section 13: The New Rules
The Renters’ Rights Bill is introducing a major change to how landlords can increase rent. Under the new rules, Section 13 will become the only legal method for raising rent in periodic tenancies. This means landlords can no longer rely on rent review clauses, fixed-term renewals, or private agreements with tenants. While this change aims to create a fairer and more transparent system, it also limits landlord flexibility and increases the risk of rent disputes. So, how can landlords stay compliant, ensure fair rent increases, and avoid financial losses? Let’s break it down. What’s Changing? ❗️ No More Fixed-Term Rent Increases Traditionally, landlords could negotiate rent increases at the end of a fixed term or include rent review clauses in tenancy agreements. With fixed-term ASTs being abolished, these methods will no longer be valid—rent increases must follow Section 13. ❗️ Section 13 Becomes the Only Rent Increase Method Landlords can only increase rent using a formal Section 13 notice. This applies to all periodic tenancies, including those that were previously fixed-term. ❗️ Extended Notice Period for Rent Increases Landlords must now give at least two months’ notice (instead of one) before a rent increase takes effect. ❗️ Tenants Can Challenge Rent Increases More Easily If tenants believe the new rent is above market value, they can appeal to a tribunal. The tribunal may reject the increase if it finds the rent is higher than comparable local properties. Implications for Landlords ⚠️ Loss of Flexibility in Adjusting Rent Landlords can now only raise rent once per year and must follow strict legal procedures. No more informal agreements or mid-term rent reviews. ⚠️ Risk of Rent Disputes & Tribunal Challenges If rent is deemed too high, tenants can challenge it in a tribunal, leading to delays or a ruling against the landlord. Landlords must justify increases based on local market rates. ⚠️ Tighter Timelines for Rent Reviews Since rent can only be increased once per year, missing deadlines means lost income for another 12 months. ⚠️ Increased Administrative Burden Landlords must issue formal notices correctly—errors could mean delays or rejection of the rent increase. How Landlords Can Adapt & Stay Compliant ✅ 1. Time Your Rent Increases Carefully Since rent reviews are now limited to once per year, landlords should plan ahead and review rental market trends regularly. Missing a rent review deadline could mean waiting another 12 months before increasing rent. ✅ 2. Ensure Rent Increases Are Market-Aligned Use local rental market data to justify increases and avoid tenant disputes. If tenants appeal to a tribunal, landlords must prove that the rent increase is fair compared to similar properties. ✅ 3. Issue Section 13 Notices Correctly Form 4 (the official Section 13 notice) must be completed accurately and served correctly to tenants. Mistakes could result in delays or a failed rent increase. ✅ 4. Consider a Managed Service for Rent Reviews Managing rent increases under the new system requires precision and compliance expertise. A professional property management service can handle rent reviews, ensuring timely and legally sound rent increases. ✅ 5. Protect Your Income with Rent Guarantee Insurance With stricter rent rules and possible disputes, financial security is more important than ever. Rent Guarantee Insurance (included in our managed service) ensures landlords get paid on time even if tenants default or appeal a rent increase. How We Can Help Navigating rent increases under Section 13 can be time-consuming and legally complex. Our fully managed servicemakes rent reviews hassle-free by: Monitoring rent review deadlines so you never miss an increase. Handling Section 13 notices correctly to avoid legal mistakes. Using market data to set fair and justified rent adjustments. Providing Rent Guarantee Insurance to protect your income. Want expert support with rent increases? Get in touch today and let us handle the hard work—so you can focus on growing your rental income stress-free! ...
