The new Renters’ Rights Act has passed and there is now a brief period before it starts to take effect and both agents and landlords must use the time they now have to get ready for the provisions of the Act, leading property lawyer David Smith (pictured) has warned.

Some measures will become enforceable before the end of the year, on 27 December, such as new powers for local council officers to enter a letting agency’s office, and a ban on discrimination against tenants with children or those on benefits.

Timetable

Other parts of the act, like the end to Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, are expected to be brought in some time early next year.

Housing secretary Steve Reed has promised to publish a timetable for when all the elements of the Act will be introduced, as soon as possible.

Smith, property litigation partner with law firm Spector Constant & Williams, says: “The Renters’ Rights Bill gaining Royal Assent is an important milestone, but it’s crucial to understand that most of the new law is not yet in effect.

Letting agents and landlords should use the time now to review their policies and ensure staff training is in place.”

“While the Act is now on the statute books, the practical changes for landlords, agents and tenants will only follow once further regulations are made, which cannot happen in less than 28 days,” he says.

“Letting agents and landlords should use the time now to review their policies and ensure staff training is in place before the new rules come into force.”

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