Renters’ Rights Act Explained: What Landlords in Selby and Goole Need to Know
The Renters’ Rights Act is one of the most significant updates to the private rented sector in England in recent years. It introduces changes that will directly affect how landlords let, manage, and regain possession of residential properties.
For landlords in Selby, Goole and surrounding areas, the key impact is not just the legislation itself, but the increased importance of correct tenancy management, documentation, and compliance.
At Jigsaw Letting, we are already working with landlords locally to ensure they are prepared for these changes and remain fully compliant.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
The Renters’ Rights Act is a government reform of the private rented sector designed to improve standards, increase transparency, and strengthen tenant protections.
While it aims to create a fairer system, it also introduces more structured legal processes that landlords must follow when managing tenancies.
Key changes for landlords
The main changes introduced include:
- Removal of Section 21 “no fault” evictions
- Move away from fixed-term tenancies
- New rules for rent increases
- Stronger tenant rights, including pets
- Increased focus on property standards and enforcement
These changes do not remove landlord rights, but they do mean correct process and compliance are more important than ever.
Section 21 changes
Section 21 notices are being removed. This means landlords will no longer be able to regain possession of a property without a legally valid reason.
Possession will instead need to rely on specific grounds, such as:
- Rent arrears
- Breach of tenancy agreement
- Sale of the property
- Landlord moving back in
This makes accurate documentation and correct tenancy setup essential from day one.
Tenancy structure changes
Fixed-term tenancies are being replaced with ongoing periodic agreements.
This means:
- Tenancies are more flexible for tenants
- Possession must follow legal grounds
- Clear communication is essential
- Correct setup at the start is critical
Rent increases
Rent increases must now follow a formal process, including:
- Proper written notice
- Clear communication with tenants
- Market-based justification where appropriate
Pets in rental properties
Tenants will have stronger rights to request permission for pets.
Landlords must consider requests reasonably and cannot refuse without valid grounds.
Conditions may include:
- Pet insurance
- Responsibility for damage
- Property suitability restrictions
What this means for landlords in Selby
For landlords locally, the Renters’ Rights Act means:
- Greater focus on compliance
- More structured tenancy management
- Increased importance of documentation
- Clearer legal processes for rent and possession
- Stronger need for professional letting support
How Jigsaw Letting helps landlords
As a local letting agent in Selby, we are already adapting our processes to reflect these changes.
We support landlords with:
- Fully compliant tenancy setup and management
- Rent collection and arrears handling
- Tenant referencing and onboarding
- Property maintenance coordination
- Ongoing legislative updates and advice
Our aim is to make compliance straightforward and reduce risk for landlords.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Renters’ Rights Act in simple terms?
It is a law that changes how private rentals are managed in England, focusing on tenant protection, clearer processes, and higher property standards.
Can landlords still evict tenants under the Renters’ Rights Act?
Yes, but landlords can no longer use Section 21. Instead, they must use specific legal grounds such as rent arrears, breach of tenancy, or selling the property.
Will fixed-term tenancies still exist?
No. Fixed terms are being replaced with ongoing periodic tenancies, meaning agreements continue unless ended using the correct legal process.
Can rent still be increased?
Yes. Rent can still be increased, but landlords must follow a formal process with proper notice and clear communication.
Do tenants have more rights to keep pets?
Yes. Tenants can request permission for pets, and landlords must consider requests reasonably.
What does this mean for landlords in Selby?
It means landlords need to be more structured and compliant in how tenancies are managed, making professional letting support more valuable than before.
Final thoughts
The Renters’ Rights Act represents a major shift in the private rented sector. While it introduces new responsibilities for landlords, it also creates clearer standards across the industry.
For landlords in Selby, Goole and the surrounding areas, staying ahead of these changes and ensuring proper management will be key.
If you would like advice on how these changes may affect your property, Jigsaw Letting is always happy to help.