The Renters Reform Bill has now been unveiled and is being described as “the biggest shake-up to the private rented sector in 30 years!”

What is the Renters Reform Bill? The long awaited Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper was finally announced on 16th June 2022 after being delayed due to the pandemic. Within this the government has now set out its plans to fundamentally reform the private rented sector to improve the quality of living for private tenants by protecting them from unfair rent increases and supporting them with the cost of living pressures.

Section 21s to be abolished. These changes aim to make it easier for Landlords to regain possession of their property in genuine circumstances. Landlords will no longer have to regularly suffer missed rent payments and the notice period to evict anti-social Tenants will be shortened. They propose to reform the Section 8 Notice, expanding and strengthening the grounds on which a Landlord can evict a Tenant. Many of the grounds will become mandatory meaning that Landlords can be assured that a judge will grant possession during court proceedings.

Periodic tenancies to become standard. Assured Tenancies or Assured Shorthold Tenancies will be replaced with periodic tenancies whereby Tenants will be required to provide two months’ notice to end the tenancy. This should provide Landlords with more time to find a new Tenant and avoid their property sitting vacant between tenancies.

Notice periods for rent increases to be doubled. The minimum notice which Landlords will be required to provide will increase to two months once the law comes into effect. Tenants will also be given the support to challenge unfair rent increases that do not reflect the market price. Rents can still be reviewed every 12 months, but Landlords should ensure that they, or their Managing Agent, are actively engaged in the local rental market. This will ensure correct rents are being charged and any rent reviews are carried out in line with the new rules. Many Landlords are unaware that market rents have increased as much as 10% in Bexhill and surrounding areas in the last 12 months.

Landlords and Agents unable to discriminate against Tenants. The Government plans to outlaw blanket bans on Tenants with children, pets, and those claiming benefits. However, Landlords can rest assured that with thorough vetting, regular property inspections and clearly defined clauses relating to pets, their property will be well looked after. It is also common for Tenants with children and pets to stay longer in tenancies. In addition, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 will be amended to allow Landlords to request that their Tenants have pet insurance in place.

Stronger enforcement against rogue Landlords and unlawful property agents. It will become mandatory for all private Landlords to join a single, Government approved, ombudsman. This will not only regulate the industry but also provide support to both Landlords and Tenants if a dispute were to arise. A new digital property portal will be introduced. The portal will “support good Landlords to demonstrate regulatory compliance” and “support efforts to raise standards in the sector and reduce the number of non-decent rented homes by 50% by 2030”.

When does the Renters Reform Bill become law? Before it can become law, the bill must pass through multiple stages in Parliament where MPs will have a chance to analyse the legislation. There is no set time limit for when the bill will come into force, but we advise Landlords to be prepared.

You wouldn’t turn up to an important job interview wearing an old pair of track pants and a stained vest (we hope). The same rule applies when you market a property. You want to show your home in its most flattering light and reveal its full potential.

That’s because first impressions matter. They have always been important, but in our digital age, they are more influential than ever. Before arranging viewings, most people pore over property websites and rank their favourites. They expect to see images of every room and are suspicious if you omit photos of some spaces. Before they’ve even stepped foot inside a property, viewers have formed definite opinions about it.

Here are our top 10 tips of how to present your property:

1. Clear the clutter

People want to see the property, not your personal items. That means no washing left out to dry (in the house or on the line outside), no shoes in the hall or phone chargers in sockets. Every excess item left lying around, including magazines, flyers, and remote controls, builds to create a look that is muddled and confused. Remember potential buyers will want to look in cupboards and lofts so now is the perfect time to get rid of those old or broken items that you don’t need anymore.

2. Let there be light

Open all curtains or blinds to let as much light in as possible. If rooms have connecting doors, open them to make the space look bigger. It is a good idea to get windows cleaned inside and out.

3. Kitchen clear up

Clear all work surfaces and tables of the reminders of domestic life. Tea towels, cleaning products, dishes, fridge magnets and pet food bowls all need to go. One bowl that can stay though is the fruit bowl – just make sure you fill it with fresh fruit.

4. Bathroom blitz

Declare war on mould and any other unsightly stains. Move all shampoos, conditioners, soap items, towels, and mats out of sight. Remove items off the back of doors. People don’t need to see the dressing gown granny gave you for Christmas (although we’re sure it’s lovely). Toilet lids down, please.

5. In the bedroom

Ensure that beds are made and opt for neutral bed linen, and avoid deep reds, purple or browns. If you still have a teddy, we’re okay with it- but put it away for the time being. Slippers, personal photographs, and exercise equipment should go too.

6. Children’s bedrooms

Pack clothes and toys away and remove any items that feature your children’s names, along with photographs.

7. Living areas

Remove TV remotes, games consoles and paperwork. Make sure the TV is switched off. In this room, you can also add something – a vase of fresh flowers will do nicely.

8. Front of house

Cut the grass and any hedges/bushes. Remove weeds and bins and invest in a few pot plants to add colour. If you have a driveway, don’t park your car on it.

9. Gardens or courtyards

As with the front, get rid of weeds, leaves and any junk that is lying around.

10. Fragrance

The smell of a property as you walk in can create a big impression. Avoid any off putting aromas by ensuring you don’t cook anything too pungent the night before. If you have pets it’s worth having the carpets and upholstery cleaned. Buyers will be sold on the smell of a pot of fresh coffee, a freshly baked loaf, or even a few well placed plug in diffusers.