A prominent lettings expert says landlords should regard December 27 as the real start of the Renters Rights Act
While publicly has been given to a. implementation date for the Act in May next year, as of December 27 local housing authorities receive draconian new powers to investigate landlords.
David Adams, managing director of lettings agency Cavendish, says: “We have always advised landlords not to wait for the May 1 deadline and, instead, ensure all their processes and systems are fully compliant as soon as possible.
“The best approach is to see December 27 as the true deadline rather than delaying until May.”
Adams recommends landlords take several steps, including:
- Make sure every tenancy file is complete and compliant
- Double-check deposit protection, prescribed information, and evidence of service
- Pull together all certificates, safety checks, and licensing documents in one watertight folder
- Check that your letting agent (if you use one) has done what they say — and make sure you have proof
- Identify any gaps now, while there’s still time to fix them quietly.
He continues: “December is already traditionally a busy time of the year for landlords with a rush to ensure last minute completions and tenancy renewals. Now they face the very real possibility of local authorities flexing their new muscles during festive period.”
Despite the deadline this month, it will not be until May that Section 21 evictions will be abolished and all fixed-term tenancies converted to rolling, periodic agreements.
Landlords will also face higher fines with civil penalties for non-compliance, starting at £7,000 and rising to a maximum civil penalty of up to £40,000.
A recent survey by Cavendish revealed that just 7% of landlords are “fully prepared” for the launch of the act.
