What are the new rules for landlords in 2024?
Introduction
What are the new rules for landlords in 2024? Several important legislative changes are coming into effect in 2024 that UK landlords need to be aware of. Failure to comply with new landlord rules opening tenants up to penalties or prosecution. In this blog, we summarize key 2024 housing regulations private and social landlords must follow.
Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2023
Coming into force January 2024, under these new regulations all private landlords must:
- Have the electrical installations in their rental properties inspected every 5 years by a qualified person.
- Provide tenants with an Electrical Safety Condition Report showing the electrical systems meet expected standards before they move in.
- Carry out all remedial works recommended on the safety reports.
Enhanced Protection from Eviction Act 2023
This Act strengthens rules around issuing valid notice to tenants before eviction. From September 2024, landlords’ eviction notices must clearly define one of the 18 reasonable grounds for regaining possession, with supporting evidence.
Notices lacking required details or reliant on false statements will be considered illegal, voiding the eviction. Harassed tenants can claim compensation.
The Renters Reform Act 2023
A major reform bill coming into effect from December 2024 abolishes “no-fault” Section 21 evictions in England. Landlords will no longer be allowed to terminate tenancies at short notice without good reason.
The Act also introduces an ombudsman to manage certain landlord-tenant disputes, and brings in open-ended tenancies as the default instead of fixed terms.
Ensure Compliance to Avoid Penalties
Landlords must ensure they fully understand and implement these 2024 compliance changes to avoid hefty civil penalties. Failing inspections or ignorance of new statutory housing duties will not be accepted as an excuse.
Important links
Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contac
tHousing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/
