The UK government has announced a number of changes to the landlord property rental regulations, which are expected to come into force in April 2023. These changes are designed to improve the quality of rental properties and protect tenants’ rights.

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): From April 2023, all landlords will be required to have an up-to-date EPC for their rental properties. This is to ensure that tenants are aware of the energy efficiency of the property they are renting.
• Right to Rent checks: From 1st September 2022, all landlords will be required to carry out Right to Rent checks on all new tenants. This is to ensure that tenants are legally allowed to rent in the UK.
• Tenant fees ban: The Tenant Fees Act 2019 banned landlords from charging tenants fees for things like referencing, inventory checks, and tenancy renewals. This came into force on 1st June 2019.
• Deposit cap: From 1st June 2022, the maximum amount that landlords can charge for a tenancy deposit will be capped at five weeks’ rent. This is to protect tenants from excessive deposit charges.
• Section 21 no-fault evictions: Section 21 no-fault evictions will be banned from 1st June 2023. This means that landlords will need a valid reason to evict tenants, such as rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
• Private Rented Sector (PRS) reform: The government is currently consulting on a number of reforms to the PRS, including changes to the eviction process and the introduction of a new ombudsman for renters. These reforms are expected to be implemented in the coming years.

• A new energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of C will be required for all rental properties. This means that landlords will need to make improvements to their properties if they do not currently meet the new requirements.
• The minimum size of a bedroom in a rental property will increase from 6.5 square meters to 9 square meters. This is to ensure that all rental properties provide tenants with a comfortable and safe place to live.
• Landlords will be required to provide tenants with information about the property’s energy performance, water efficiency, and flood risk. This will help tenants to make informed decisions about where to live.
• Landlords will be required to give tenants at least 28 days’ notice before entering the property. This will give tenants more time to prepare for the landlord’s visit.
• Landlords will be required to provide tenants with a copy of the gas safety certificate for the property. This will help to ensure that tenants are living in a safe environment.

• Introduction of a minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) for rental properties: All rental properties will need to have an energy efficiency rating of E or above by April 2028. This will help to reduce energy bills and improve the environment.
• Ban on Section 21 evictions: Section 21 evictions are currently the most common way for landlords to evict tenants. However, the government has announced that they will be banned from April 2023. This will make it more difficult for landlords to evict tenants without a good reason.
• Introduction of a renters’ ombudsman: A renters’ ombudsman will be created to help tenants resolve disputes with their landlords. This will provide tenants with a more independent and impartial way to resolve their complaints.
• Increase in the maximum penalty for landlords who fail to comply with the regulations: The maximum penalty for landlords who fail to comply with the regulations will be increased from £30,000 to £50,000. This will deter landlords from breaking the rules.

• Introduction of a new tenancy deposit scheme: The government has announced that a new tenancy deposit scheme will be introduced in April 2023. This scheme will be designed to protect tenants’ deposits and make it easier for them to get their deposits back when they move out.
• Increase in the minimum notice period for rent increases: The minimum notice period for rent increases will be increased from one month to two months. This will give tenants more time to prepare for rent increases.
• Extension of the energy performance certificate (EPC) validity period: The validity period for energy performance certificates (EPCs) will be extended from 10 years to 15 years. This will make it easier for landlords to comply with the new MEES regulations.

Written by: Giles Finance
Dated: 06 August 2023