Greater security and fairer renting for local people

The Renters’ Rights Act is now in effect, bringing the biggest changes to the private rented sector in decades.

The legislation aims to create a safer, fairer and more secure rental market, whilst ensuring responsible landlords can continue to let and manage their properties with confidence.

Changes for tenants

Greater security in your home

• The Section 21 ‘no fault eviction’ has ended.
• All assured shorthold tenancies now operate as assured periodic rolling tenancies, so tenants can remain in their home as long as they meet the terms of their tenancy.

More flexibility

• Tenants can end their tenancy at any point, as long as two months’ notice is provided, making it easier to move when circumstances change.

Fairer renting

• Rent increases can only take place once every 12 months.
• Tenants will have the right to challenge rent increases that are considered above market rates.
• Rental bidding is prohibited and the rent that is advertised must remain as shown on the advert.
• It is unlawful to discriminate against prospective tenants if they are in receipt of benefits or have children.

Tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse the request.

Preparation for landlords

Registering rental properties

The new Government landlord database, Register Your Rental Property, will begin to be rolled out in December. Landlords are set to pay £65 a year for each property they register. Landlords in the South-East are expected to be able to sign up from 15 March 2027, with a deadline of 14 June 2027 for properties to be registered.

Landlords who do not register could face a civil penalty of up to £7,000 for a first breach. This could rise to £40,000 for repeated or continuing breaches.

The Landlord Ombudsman

Membership of the new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will be a legal requirement. The new Ombudsman will provide an independent service for private tenants to raise complaints, and is expected to begin operating in 2028.

How we will support you

Our role is to support both tenants and landlords by:

• Providing clear advice and guidance.
• Helping resolve disputes where appropriate.
• Investigating reports of non-compliance.
• Taking proportionate enforcement action where legislation is breached.

Working together for better rented homes

If you are unsure how the changes affect you, or you believe your landlord is not meeting the new requirements, please contact us by email at tro@horsham.gov.uk.