The rules surrounding some major aspects of renting property in the UK changed in a dramatic way recently. They will make a great difference to every private landlord and must be adhered to by the landlord and their agents. Section 21 evictions which were known as ‘no fault’ have now been abolished and are illegal. Ceasing use of the old 1988 Act means that landlords now need to rely on reformed possession grounds to evict tenants. The new system is considered to be fairer to both parties and should in theory make it a happier place for tenants who have to rely on the less savoury or caring landlord. There must have been many hundreds of disappointed tenants who were forced out by bullying landlords who wanted to put the rent up or just wanted their property back so they could put a new family in. It was getting desperately out of hand over many years, which is why the government finally acted. However, there are other issues that have come into force. Rent increases for example are now limited to just once per year. Not only this but a andlord must follow the new legal process for increasing rent. This will include providig the tenant with notice, detailing the propsed rent increase, giving their tenant/s at leasst 2 months notice before the new rent is due to begin.
Rental bidding is definitely abolished. The property advertisement must include a specific price on all sections visiible to wold be tenants; it must be clearly seen so no one is then asked or encouraged to put in an offer higher than the advertised rental just to secure the property, however short the availability of acomodation. Another benefit for tenants is that no landlord is allowed to demand a large amount of rent in advance Only one month’s rent in the period between all parties signing the tenancy and the tenancy starting; landlords must not accept any payment before that period and once the tenancy has begun, landlords cannot require any payment of rent before the date it is due.