What Cirencester Landlords Need to Know
On the 25th of September Parliament had the first reading of the Renters’ Reform Act. We’d like to
take a moment to reassure Cirencester landlords that there’s nothing in these proposals that should
catch you off guard. Many of these changes were already part of the Conservative Party’s agenda
prior to July, so regardless of who’s in charge, these reforms were anticipated, and there’s no need to
worry about anything revolutionary.
Let’s break down the key aspects and how they might affect you as a Cirencester landlord.
The End of Section 21 ‘No Fault’ Evictions
A major headline has been the abolition of Section 21 evictions. Previously, landlords could give
tenants two months’ notice to vacate a property without needing to provide a reason. The new
proposals will put an end to these ‘no fault’ evictions, which have often been seen as unfair—
especially when used to displace tenants who raise concerns about poor living conditions or resist
rent increases.
However, Cirencester landlords are not left powerless. You’ll still be able to evict tenants under
Section 8 of the Housing Act for breaches such as non-payment of rent, property damage, or
antisocial behaviour. The key difference is that you’ll need to secure a court order, which, while
sometimes subject to delays, is expected to become more efficient as the government works to clear
the current backlog.
Rent Increases and Bidding Wars
Another significant change is the ban on bidding wars. Many Cirencester landlords and agents have
experienced tenants offering above the asking rent due to high demand for properties. The new
legislation will make it illegal to ask for or accept bids above the advertised rent, which may help
stabilise the market. It’s important to keep this in mind when setting rent prices for your Cirencester
rental property.
In addition, rent increases during a tenancy will now be limited to once per year and will no longer
be allowed during the fixed term of a tenancy. While this may seem restrictive, it offers tenants more
stability and can encourage longer-term lets, benefiting landlords in the long run.
Energy Efficiency and Property Standards for Cirencester Landlords
As we discussed in a previous update, the proposed legislation also includes stricter regulations on
the quality and energy efficiency of rental properties. By 2030, landlords will need to ensure that
their properties have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or higher. If you missed
that article, let us know, and we’ll send it over. This is a long-term goal, giving you ample time to
plan and budget accordingly.
Additionally, the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard into the private rental sector means
that Cirencester landlords will need to maintain their properties to a higher standard, addressing
issues such as damp or mould. While this will increase the level of responsibility, many of you are
likely already maintaining these standards.
Let’s Chat
If any of these changes raise concerns for you, don’t worry. We’re here to help guide you through
what these reforms mean for your specific circumstances. Whether you need advice on complying
with new regulations or want to understand how these changes might affect your investments, we’re
available for a chat.
If we’re not already managing your property, now might be a good time to consider switching from a
let-only service to fully managed. With the increasing regulations and responsibilities placed on
landlords, having a dedicated team to ensure compliance and handle day-to-day management can
save you time, stress, and money.
Feel free to reach out anytime to discuss how we can ensure your properties remain compliant and
profitable.
Drop us a message or call on 01285 706900 for a no-obligation conversation.