ca
us
Enhanced Security of Tenure
The new legislation provides tenants with stronger security, clarifying that tenancies continue indefinitely after any initial fixed term. Landlords must now always obtain a court order for eviction, with possession limited to specific grounds.
Key impact: Greater certainty about long-term housing situation, protection from arbitrary eviction, and clearer understanding of circumstances in which tenancy could end.
Decent Homes Standard
Previously limited to social housing, the Decent Homes Standard now extends to private rentals, with landlords explicitly obligated to maintain properties to this standard. Clear repair timelines have been established: 24 hours for emergency repairs, 5 working days for urgent repairs, and 28 days for non-urgent repairs.
Key impact: Legally enforceable minimum standards, clear timelines for repairs, and better mechanisms for addressing substandard conditions.
Pet Ownership Rights
The blanket "no pets" policies that landlords could previously enforce have been replaced with a structured request process. Tenants now have the right to keep pets, subject to reasonable landlord consent. Landlords must respond to pet requests within 28 days and can only refuse with reasonable property-related grounds.
Previously denied pet requests
Current denied pet requests
Key impact: Pets are now allowed by default unless there are property-related reasons for refusal, with a clear framework for making requests and protection from unreasonable denials.
Rent Increase Limitations
New restrictions limit rent increases to once per 12-month period, with a mandatory two months' written notice. Tenants also gain the right to challenge excessive increases through the First-tier Tribunal, providing greater stability and predictability in housing costs.
Key impact: Greater rent predictability, protection from frequent or excessive increases, and clear procedures for contesting unfair increases.
Property Ombudsman Scheme
All private landlords are now required to join a government-approved redress scheme, providing tenants with access to independent dispute resolution without court involvement. The scheme offers more effective remedies for unresolved complaints and potentially faster resolution of disagreements.
Key impact: Access to independent dispute resolution without court costs, more effective remedies for unresolved issues, and faster resolution processes.
