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Landlords: What You Need to Know About the Renters’ Rights Bill

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  • Landlords: What You Need to Know About the Renters’ Rights Bill

Essential Legal Changes to The Renters Rights Bill Affecting Property Owners in Newton‑le‑Willows & Warrington

If you’re a landlord in Newton‑le‑Willows or Warrington, you need to be ready for the Renters’ Rights Bill—a sweeping reform that will significantly change the way residential lettings work in England. The legislation, currently progressing through Parliament, will introduce new legal responsibilities and remove many long-standing landlord rights, including Section 21 “no-fault” evictions.

As trusted letting agents in Newton-le-Willows and letting agents in Warrington, we’ve broken down the key elements of the Bill and what they mean for you.

🔍 1. End of Fixed-Term Tenancies – Welcome to Rolling Contracts

Once the legislation passes (expected late 2025), fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will be abolished. Instead, all tenancies will become periodic, meaning:

  • No end dates: Tenants can remain indefinitely unless valid notice is given.
  • Tenants only need to give two months’ notice.
  • You can only end the tenancy using specific Section 8 grounds.

Landlord tip: Review your tenancy agreements now—especially if you’re managing multiple properties in Newton-le-Willows or Warrington. These changes will affect every new and renewing tenancy.

🚫 2. Abolition of Section 21 – “No-Fault” Evictions Gone

The Bill removes your ability to evict tenants without a reason via Section 21. Instead, you’ll need to rely on:

  • Section 8 eviction grounds (e.g. serious rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, plans to sell, or move in yourself).
  • These will be strengthened to give landlords more clarity and power—but they must be followed to the letter of the law.

Landlord tip: Speak to a letting agent in Warrington or Newton-le-Willows to ensure you have compliant systems in place for serving Section 8 notices.

💸 3. Rent Increases – Once a Year Only

You will still be allowed to raise rents, but only:

  • Once per year
  • With two months’ written notice
  • Using a formal Section 13 process
  • Tenants will be able to challenge rent increases through a First-tier Tribunal if they feel it’s excessive.

Important: Rental bidding (tenants offering over asking price) will be banned.
Advance rent will be capped at one month, so no more taking six months’ rent up front.

🐾 4. Pets, Families & Benefits – No More Blanket Bans

The Bill will make it unlawful to:

  • Discriminate against tenants on benefits, with children, or based on race, religion, or sexual orientation.
  • Blanket-ban pets: You must give a valid reason to decline them. However, you may require tenants to hold pet insurance.

Landlord tip: Consider updating your listing strategy to appeal to a wider audience. We can help you make pet-friendly properties a win-win.

🏡 5. Minimum Housing Standards & Awaab’s Law

Landlords must comply with a national Decent Homes Standard, including:

  • Prompt repair of damp, mould, and structural hazards.
  • New powers for councils to fine landlords who fail to comply—up to £7,000 per breach.
  • This aligns with Awaab’s Law, ensuring swift response to health risks.

Letting agents in Newton-le-Willows and Warrington can conduct compliance audits to help protect your investments.

🧾 6. New Landlord Register & Dispute Ombudsman

  • You must be listed on a new national landlord register.
  • Non-compliance may block your right to evict tenants.
  • A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will manage disputes without court costs or delays.

Landlord tip: This will apply whether you let privately or through a letting agent.

⚠️ 7. Rent Repayment Orders (RROs) – Greater Financial Risk

If you fail to comply with your obligations (e.g., licensing, repair, deposits, eviction processes), tenants will be able to:

  • Apply for up to two years’ rent back.
  • Do so up to two years after a breach occurred.

Avoid these risks by working with a reputable letting agent in Warrington or Newton-le-Willows who can keep you compliant.

📅 When Will the Renters’ Rights Bill Come Into Force?

Key DateStatus
Report Stage in House of LordsJuly 2025
Expected Royal AssentSummer 2025
Implementation BeginsLate 2025 to early 2026

✅ What Should Landlords in Warrington & Newton-le-Willows Do Now?

  1. Review existing ASTs: Plan for conversion to periodic tenancies.
  2. Understand new possession grounds: Especially if you’re planning to sell or reclaim a property.
  3. Get your documents in order: EPCs, gas safety, deposit protection, and HMO licences must be up-to-date.
  4. Prepare for change: Register your properties, plan for housing standard checks, and consult your letting agent.

🏠 Need Expert Help Navigating These Changes?

At Racey Estates, we support landlords across Warrington and Newton-le-Willows with:

  • Tenancy compliance
  • Legal documentation
  • Rent setting and reviews
  • Property standards and repairs
  • Eviction and notice processes

Let us take care of the legal details so you can focus on returns and long-term value.

find out more on what we offer to our landlords here

📞 Contact us today to schedule a free compliance review and secure your portfolio’s future.

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  • Racey Estates Sales and Letting Estate Agents Newton-le-willows, 83 Vulcan Park Way, Newton-le-Willows WA12 8NJ
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  • 01925 387143
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