HomeLet CEO Andy Halstead's thoughts on the upcoming Renters' Rights Bill

As the CEO of HomeLet and Let Alliance, a letting agent, and a landlord, I have a practical perspective on what this means for the industry. At HomeLet and Let Alliance, we partner with around 5,000 letting agents. Additionally, our family lettings business manages approximately 2,000 properties, and my personal investment portfolio includes HMOs, apartments, and family homes.

1. Tenancies will be on a month-to-month basis – meaning no more fixed 6- or 12-month terms.

2. Taking rent before signing the tenancy agreement will become illegal.

3. Tenants will be allowed to move into a property without paying the first month’s rent upfront.

4. Landlords must wait until tenants are three months in arrears before serving notice.

5. The initial notice period will be extended by four weeks.

6. Tenants must be in arrears for four months before any legal action can commence.

7. Court dates for eviction proceedings will take a minimum of six months to be granted.

8. Bailiffs may take up to 12 months before they act on eviction orders.

This means tenants could legally occupy a landlord’s property for over a year without ever paying rent. While most tenants are responsible, honest and law-abiding, the reality is that this legislation creates opportunities for exploitation by less scrupulous individuals.

• Landlords face the possibility of bankruptcy or property repossession.

• Letting agents could experience substantial income loss while being forced to manage tenants who refuse to pay rent.

• Hoping that "it won’t happen to me" is a gamble only the most reckless would take.

Fortunately, there is a straightforward way to protect yourself. A Rent Guarantee policy from HomeLet eliminates these risks entirely. If a tenant defaults on rent, 100% of the rent is paid for up to 12 months, professional costs to obtain vacant possession are covered up to £50,000, and our in-house Claims team offer expert support when landlords need it most. Landlords won’t have to endure sleepless nights, financial hardship, or the burden of navigating complex legal proceedings.

Why not allow HomeLet to handle everything - paying rent until the tenant either resumes payments or the property is legally vacated (up to 12 months). It really is that simple. Take back the control - talk to HomeLet today. Get your rent guaranteed and your professional costs covered. In just minutes, you can eliminate risks, worries, and stress associated with these legislative changes.

Protect yourself. Protect your income. Act now.