Approaching Phase 2 - Renters’ Rights Act 2025
As the Autumn approaches, letting agents, landlords and most important of all, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) are preparing for the second phase of the Renters’ Rights Act. It is the Private Rented Sector Database - to be known as “Register Your Rental Property” which has created a stir since the Conservative government announced all landlords in England would be required to register their rental properties on a database.
Starting 1st September 2025., MHCLG will be starting a pilot of the database in Birmingham, Gateshead and Nottingham. The pilot will involve completing a 3-part registration process which includes providing personal details, property details and compliance information (e.g. Gas safety certificates). The data provided will be viewed by local council enforcement officers but won’t be used for enforcement purposes.
Has being a DIY Landlord become too Complicated?
In June 2022, Michael Gove the then Secretary of State made the following statement:- “Everyone has a right to a decent home. No one should be condemned to live in properties that are inadequately heated, unsafe, or unhealthy. Yet more than 2.8 million of our fellow citizens are paying to live in homes that are not fit for the 21st century. Tackling this is critical to our mission to level up the country. The reality today is that far too many renters are living in damp, dangerous, cold homes, powerless to put things right, and with the threat of sudden eviction hanging over them. They’re often frightened to raise a complaint. If they do, there is no guarantee that they won’t be penalised for it, that their rent won’t shoot up as a result, or that they won’t be hit with a Section 21 notice asking them to leave. This government is determined to tackle these injustices by offering a New Deal to those living in the Private Rented Sector; one with quality, affordability, and fairness at its heart.”
Angela Rayner back at MHCLG - What does this mean for the PRS?
It is doubtful that anyone is surprised that Angela Rayner MP has been bought back into the fray and is back in post at Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government - civil servants welcomed her back and put her official portrait back where it once was little over 10 months ago. There are many schools of thought that feel aggrieved given the alleged misunderstanding over the payment of Stamp Duty, however, there is a job to be done - she knows how the land lies - she is more than familiar with the department and Matthew Pennycook is forging ahead with ensuring the Labour Manifesto for Housing is well and truly adhered to.
The Government hints at ending Insured Deposit Schemes
The Government has announced plans to abolish insured tenancy deposit schemes which means landlords and letting agents will no longer be permitted to hold tenants' deposits in their client accounts, even where those deposits are protected through an approved insurance-backed scheme.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook confirmed that the Government intends to move to a single custodial model, requiring all tenancy deposits to be transferred to an authorised custodial tenancy deposit scheme at the outset of the tenancy.
The proposal forms part of the Government's wider programme of housing reform and is intended to strengthen consumer protection by ensuring that tenancy deposits are always held by an independent third party.