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Welcome to the latest edition of our Private Landlords Quarterly Newsletter.
Our focus for this edition is specifically on the potential changes ahead affecting the private rented sector, and what these mean for landlords and tenants, following the general election 2024.
In this edition, we will cover:
- New government policies for the private rented sector and the potential changes ahead
- Private landlords and council tax liability for their rental properties
- Wellbeing and Mental Health Resources (Donny Dot Website)
As always, we appreciate your feedback and welcome your suggestions for new ideas or topics to be included in future editions. To provide feedback and share your thoughts, please contact us by email: LandlordHelpAndAdvice@doncaster.gov.uk.
Please also feel free to pass on our email address - or this newsletter - to other landlords you know who may benefit from seeing this quarterly newsletter.
What does a new Government mean for Private Rented Sector?
The new government is set to make significant changes to the private rented sector through the introduction of a new “Renters’ Rights Bill”. This new Bill, which replaces the former government’s Renters’ Reform Bill that was put aside before the election, was introduced in the King's Speech and includes the following, potential changes:
We will communicate more information to landlords once we know more.
| Abolishing Section 21, No Fault Eviction |
The new Bill aims to provide greater rights and more security to tenants by abolishing Section 21, no fault evictions, whilst also acknowledging the valuable contribution made by responsible landlords who provide quality homes. This reform will enable landlords to reclaim their properties where there is justified reason to do so, as the government proposes to amend other grounds for possession, particularly those under section 8.
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| Protection against discrimination |
The new Bill seeks to protect tenants by making it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants in receipt of benefits or with children when choosing to let their property.
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| New powers to Local Councils |
The new Bill also proposes to strengthen local councils’ enforcement powers, making it easier for councils to identify and penalise non-compliant landlords.
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| Introduction of a Decent Homes Standard to the private sector housing |
In addition to abolishing Section 21, the government has pledged to raising standards within the private rented sector. This measure will ensure that the rental properties meet minimum standards of safety and habitability. |
| Extension of Awaab’s Law to private rented sector |
The government has also proposed extending Awaab’s Law to include the private rented sector. This law, introduced into the social sector in July 2023 after the tragic death of one-year-old Awaab Ishak from a severe respiratory illness caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his living space, requires social landlords to:
- Investigate known or reported hazards within 14 calendar days.
- Provide a written report of their findings with in the 14 days timeframe.
- Begin repairs within 7 calendar days if the hazard is classed as a significant health and safety risk.
- Complete the repair works within a reasonable time period.
- Complete emergency repairs within 24 hours
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| Empowering tenants to challenge unfair rent increases |
The new Bill will allow renters to challenge unreasonable rent increases and will seek to put an end to rental bidding wars. The proposal includes requiring landlords and letting agents to clearly state the amount of rent payable when advertising a property. |
| Right to request pets |
The Bill aims to stop blanket bans on pets, giving tenants right to request consent to have pets, which the landlord must consider and not unreasonably refuse. |
| Creation of a digital database for private rented sector |
The Bill aims to create a digital database by listing landlords and the information about their properties. Landlords will be required to sign up and register all properties they rent out. This helps landlords to demonstrate legal compliance while making information available for tenants to make informed decisions. |
| Introduction of new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman |
The Bill proposes to introduce a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman that landlords are legally required to join. The Ombudsman is intended to provide fair, impartial, and binding resolutions so that many disputes between tenants and landlords can be resolved quickly and cheaply, without having to go through the court system.
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If you require help or further advice on any of the above, we are always happy to help and advise. Please contact our Private Landlord Liaison Service by email: LandlordHelpAndAdvice@doncaster.gov.uk.
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What Private Landlords Need to Know About Council Tax Liability?
As a private landlord, it is important to understand your responsibilities regarding council tax for your rental properties. Generally, tenants are responsible for council tax while they occupy the property. However, landlords may become liable for council tax during the periods when the property is vacant. Therefore, it is important to promptly notify the Council of any changes in tenancy to help ensure accurate billing to the correct liable party. The easiest and quickest way to do this is by using our online forms on our dedicated landlord’s page on the Council Tax website, which also provides further details and guidance.
Though a landlord is generally responsible for council tax when a property becomes vacant, however, this responsibility can shift back to the tenant if they are still within their fixed-term tenancy of 6 months or more. This holds true if the property is vacant because the tenant left before the end of their fixed term.
Once the fixed term under Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) comes to an end, it automatically reverts into a statutory periodic tenancy unless the original AST specifically includes a clause stating that the tenancy will continue as a contractual periodic tenancy. Under the statutory periodic tenancy, tenants are only liable for council tax while they occupy the property. However, in case of contractual periodic tenancy, tenants remain liable for the council tax until the end of their notice period, even if they leave early.
Introducing Donny Dot: The Wellbeing & Mental Health Resources for Doncaster
 Donny Dot is a local website connecting people of Doncaster to mental health and wellbeing information, advice, and support. Donny Dot’s Pain Management section has been updated to provide further useful and helpful information to help you, your friends, family, and carers understand and support your chronic pain. To find our more - visit the website here.
Useful Contacts:
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