Are You Ready for the Renters’ Rights Act? A Guide for Landlords
Cambridge Property Lettings founder Trevor Hames writes:
“The past few weeks leading up to the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) have been some of the most intense we have experienced in over 30 years in the lettings industry.
Government guidance has continued to evolve right up to the deadline, with key clarifications issued at the last minute. Most notably, the revised Section 13 Notice was released in the early hours of 1 May, leaving managing agents and landlords alike with very little time to upload the new documentation, adapt systems, and issue notices correctly on the same day.
This is a clear illustration of how complex and fast-moving the legislative landscape has become and why professional management is now more important than ever.”
How Technology Helps Landlords Stay Compliant
“With the advent of AI, our industry is at the foothills of change, which is why we have invested in the latest and very best technology, ensuring our landlords remain fully compliant and well supported.
Our core system, Street, provides both landlords and tenants with their own dedicated app, offering transparency and real-time access to key information. Alongside this, we use Goodlord, our onboarding and compliance platform, which helps ensure that every tenancy is set up correctly and in line with current legislation.
Our team has worked tirelessly to learn and implement these systems, knowing that doing so will allow us to deliver a stronger, more compliant service for our clients.
As a result, we are fully prepared to support you in managing your property within the new legal framework.”
Meet the team behind our fully compliant property management service and discover how we help landlords stay protected.
Key Renters’ Rights Act Compliance Checks for Landlords
Have You:
- Served the Government Information Sheet, which must be issued by 31 May?
- Ensured that, where you rent to students, your property is fully compliant and that the relevant Section 8 (Grounds 8 and 4A) Notice has been served?
Failure to do either of these could have serious consequences, including fines between £4,000 and £7,000 for each error.
Understanding the New Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) Rules
Under the new Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT) structure:
- Tenants can give two months’ notice at any time
- Landlords may propose a rent increase once every 12 months via a Section 13 Notice
However, the Act is very strict about when and how notices can be served. Getting this wrong is no longer a minor technical issue.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
The consequences of non-compliance under the Renters’ Rights Act can be severe. Failure to follow the correct processes may lead to substantial financial penalties, including:
- Around £4,000 for a first infringement
- Up to £7,000 for subsequent breaches
- Potential fines of up to £40,000 for serious or repeated failures
These are risks no responsible landlord should have to shoulder alone.
The Landlord Register Is Coming
Are You Prepared?
Later this year, the Government will introduce a mandatory Landlord Register. All landlords will be required to register and upload their property compliance documentation, including safety certificates and other statutory records.
This will add another administrative layer to property ownership, but it is one that we are already preparing to handle on behalf of our managed landlords.
Do You Have the Right Protection in Place?
Do you currently have:
- Rent Guarantee Service cover for loss of rent?
- Legal fee protection should you need to regain possession of your property?
- Insurance cover if tenants object to a Section 13 rent increase?
Considering a Fully Managed Service?
If all of this feels overwhelming, you are not alone. The regulatory burden on landlords has increased significantly, and many are choosing to step back from day-to-day property management.
If you would like to discuss transferring your property to a fully managed service, book an appointment with Jeremy Liming.
