THE RENTERS RIGHTS BILL: A LANDLORD PREPARATION CHECKLIST

The Renters’ Rights Bill will bring major changes to how rental properties are managed. While the reforms aim to raise standards across the sector, they also place greater responsibility on landlords to get processes right.

At Smith and Sons, we’re helping landlords prepare now. Use the checklist below to see where you stand — and where professional support could help reduce risk and stress.

✔ Tenancies & Legal Framework

• ☐ Reviewed existing tenancy agreements for upcoming changes
• ☐ Prepared for open-ended tenancies and the removal of fixed terms
• ☐ Understood the end of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions
• ☐ Updated tenancy documentation and procedures

👉 We can review your tenancies and ensure your paperwork is fully compliant.

✔ Possession & Eviction Readiness

• ☐ Familiar with the revised Section 8 possession grounds
• ☐ Clear on grounds for selling, moving in, or rent arrears
• ☐ Evidence and notice procedures documented correctly
• ☐ Aware of longer possession timelines

👉 Our team can manage possession cases correctly from start to finish.

✔ Rent & Financial Planning

• ☐ Rent increase processes reviewed and compliant
• ☐ Annual rent reviews supported by market evidence
• ☐ Budgeting adjusted for longer-term tenancies
• ☐ Prepared for potential tribunal challenges

👉 We provide rent reviews and market assessments to protect your income.

✔ Property Standards & Maintenance

• ☐ Properties meet the Decent Homes Standard
• ☐ Damp, mould, heating, and insulation issues addressed
• ☐ Gas, electrical, and EPC compliance up to date
• ☐ Repairs logged, actioned, and documented

👉 We carry out inspections and manage repairs to ensure compliance.

✔ Tenant Rights & Requests

• ☐ Policies updated to reflect stronger tenant protections
• ☐ Reasonable approach to pet requests in place
• ☐ House rules reviewed for fairness and legality
• ☐ Clear and professional tenant communication

👉 We handle day-to-day tenant management on your behalf.

✔ Complaints & Ombudsman Readiness

• ☐ Prepared to join the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
• ☐ Internal complaints process in place
• ☐ Tenant issues recorded and resolved promptly
• ☐ Aware of enforcement and penalty risks

👉 Our management service includes full complaints handling.

✔ Documentation & Compliance

• ☐ Gas Safety Certificates in place
• ☐ Electrical Safety Reports valid
• ☐ EPC standards met
• ☐ “How to Rent” guide correctly served

👉 We conduct full compliance audits for landlords.

Not Ticked Every Box?

If any of the above raised questions — or if you’d prefer the reassurance of expert support — now is the time to act.

At Smith and Sons, we help landlords:

• Stay compliant
• Protect rental income
• Reduce disputes and legal risk
• Navigate the Renters’ Rights Bill with confidence

📞 Contact our team today to discuss how we can support you ahead of the changes.