MHCLG Consultation - Extending Awaab's Law to the Private Rented Sector
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published a consultation on extending Awaab's Law to private rented sector tenancies and to certain types of accommodation occupied under licence.
Awaab's Law was introduced in social housing sector in October 2025 and requires social landlords to investigate and address hazards such as damp and mould within set timescales. The consultation will use these existing social housing requirements as its starting point, however, it recognises that there are significant differences between the social and private rented sectors and seeks views and evidence on whether the same requirements would work effectively in the private rented sector, or whether modifications are needed to achieve the best outcomes.
A Sector in Transition - Opportunities for Letting Agents and Property Managers
The Renters' Rights Act represents the biggest change to the private rented sector in a generation. Much of the commentary since implementation began has focused on landlords leaving the market, but it is important to look past the headlines and look at letting agents and property managers who can offer landlords the expertise, structure and reassurance the new rules demand.
The History behind Section 13 and the New Rules
Since 1 May 2026, Section 13 (Form 4A) of the Housing Act 1988 (Amended) has become the only mechanism for increasing rent on an assured periodic tenancy in England. Rent review clauses, informal agreements, and the pressure of a tenancy renewal have all been swept away, and letting agents managing rent reviews now need a considerably more disciplined process than many were used to under the old fixed-term system.
The Renters’ Rights Act Three Months On – Challenges and Opportunities
On 1st May 2026, Phase 1 of the Renters' Rights Act came into force – the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector since the Housing Act 1988 (Amended). Assured Shorthold Tenancies gave way to periodic agreements, Section 21 was abolished, Section 8 became the only notice landlords can rely on to obtain possession and Section 13 the only lawful route to increase rent; rent in advanced has been limited to one monthly payment; landlords are not able to accept offers above the advertised asking price; there is no rent control or caps on rent increases, and rents can be increased in line with market rent; joint tenants can serve notice to bring the tenancy to an end without consulting with their co-tenants.