As of 1st May, there were a lot of changes to the rights of tenants and tenancy rules. These were made under the Renters’ Rights Act Overview for Tenants. In this blog post we look at the tenancy rules and changes that landlords in Peterborough need to know. We also share the upcoming changes to tenancy rules that landlords need to be aware of.
Here at AGT Property Management and Lettings, we help our landlords stay on top of tenancy rules and rights. We do this to protect the investment of the landlord, and to the protect the safety of the tenants. If this is a service you require as a landlord, contact our rental specialists in Peterborough.
- The End of Section 21.
This means that no-fault evictions are no longer allowed. Landlords must provide a valid legal reason for a tenant to be evicted. This could be tenant rent arrears or selling the property for example.
- Rolling Tenancies.
Fixed-term contracts for tenancy are being replaced with open-ended tenancies that are periodic rolling. A tenant can then leave the rental by giving 2 months’ notice.
- Rent Increases.
A landlord is only able to raise the rent once per year. They must also give 2 months’ notice of the increase. This must be done by using a formal Section 12 notice. Excessive increases can be challenged by the tenants at a tribunal.
- No Upfront Costs.
Rental bidding wars are now seen as illegal. This is also the case for demands of more than 1 months’ rent in advance.
- Pets In Rental Properties.
Tenants have the right to request a pet lives in the property with them. A landlord cannot unreasonably refuse the request. However, an additional fee could be charged for pets at the property.
- Anti-Discrimination.
Blanket bans against benefit recipients, such as ‘no DSS’ or families with children are illegal. You cannot discriminate against these people looking to rent your property.
These are the tenancy rules landlords in Peterborough need to know and are already in place. However, there are some upcoming tenancy rules that landlords need to know too. For example, the national digital database for landlords is due to open on 15th December 2026. A new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman is being rolled for faster dispute resolutions. New property standard regulations are also being bought in, with major changes set for 2030.
If you are a landlord in Peterborough feeling overwhelmed by the tenancy rules and upcoming changes, call our rental property experts. We will be only too happy to help.