The long-awaited renting reform agenda is finally moving from headlines to implementation. After years of proposals, debates, and revisions, the sector is now preparing for the most significant overhaul in a generation. For landlords, the message is simple: the old system is fading out, and the new regime will demand tighter compliance, cleaner processes, and a more transparent approach to tenancies.
The good news? Our agency is already aligned with where the legislation is heading — and we’re ready to guide every landlord through each stage with minimal disruption.
Section 21 Abolition: What It Really Means
The most publicised shift is the removal of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions. While the final implementation is being phased, the direction is locked in: landlords will no longer be able to end tenancies without a defined and justified ground.
But the important nuance is this — landlords will still have the ability to regain possession. The mechanism will simply move through strengthened Section 8 grounds, giving clarity on issues such as selling the property, moving back in, breach of contract, and persistent arrears.
We’ve already adapted our tenancy structuring and communication to anticipate the post-S21 landscape. When the switch happens, our landlords won’t be scrambling.
A Stronger, Mandatory Property Portal
The new national property portal will require every landlord to register properties and demonstrate compliance with core legal obligations. This includes safety certificates, licensing where applicable, documentation, and record-keeping.
Instead of waiting for enforcement to catch up, we have built these standards into our management systems years ahead of schedule. The transition will be seamless for fully managed clients — every requirement is already logged, monitored, and updated within our compliance framework.
Decent Homes Standard Expansion
The Decent Homes Standard, long applied to the social housing sector, will now extend to the private rented market. The focus is on:
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Hazards being removed or mitigated
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Adequate facilities and space
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Warm, dry, energy-efficient homes
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Good repair and upkeep
Again, none of this is new to us. We already vet properties against a stricter internal benchmark, and our maintenance cycle is built to exceed statutory demands. The reform simply raises the national baseline to where we’ve operated for years.
More Accountability — For Everyone
For tenants, the reforms encourage transparency, clearer communication, and fairer pathways when issues arise. For landlords, there will be heavier penalties for non-compliance, poor record-keeping, and ignored maintenance.
Because we work closely with landlords month-to-month, rather than reactively, we’re ahead of the curve on evidencing compliance, documenting inspections, handling repairs, and keeping everything audit-ready.
When the new enforcement structure goes live, our systems will already match it.
Students & Purpose-Built Accommodation: What’s Changing
Student housing will continue to operate with fixed-term structures, but with clearer guidance and better consistency across the market. As a PAL-registered provider and the University’s preferred off-campus accommodation partner, we support thousands of students each cycle.
Our standards and processes already mirror what the reforms intend to introduce nationwide: transparent contracts, clear move-in expectations, proactive maintenance, and an easy path for resolving issues quickly.
The Bottom Line: Reform Isn’t Something to Fear — If You’re Prepared
The rental sector is being reshaped, and while change always brings uncertainty, well-managed landlords will come out stronger. The new framework rewards professionalism, consistency, and proactive compliance — all things we have embedded into our service from day one.
As the timelines are finalised, we’ll continue updating landlords, adjusting our procedures, and ensuring every property under our management remains fully aligned with the new rules.
If you’re a landlord who wants clarity, stability, and a management team that actually stays ahead of government reform — we’re ready to help.
info@strats-estates.co.uk
