What this topic is
- The Renters' Rights Act 2024 received Royal Assent in October 2024. Provisions are being brought into force on a phased commencement timetable.
- Headline measures include the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, a new system of periodic assured tenancies, a Private Rented Sector Database, a Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman, application of a Decent Homes Standard to the PRS and extension of Awaab's Law style hazard timescales to private landlords.
- Other measures restrict rental bidding, limit rent in advance, give tenants a right to request pets and prohibit blanket bans on tenants in receipt of benefits or with children.
Why it matters to landlords, letting agents and homeowners
- Compliance evidence becomes more important, not less. Landlords on the Database will need to demonstrate that statutory certificates are valid and that hazard reports have been acted on within reasonable timescales.
- Section 8 grounds remain available but are reformed and reweighted. A clear, documented compliance position helps any future possession case stand on stronger footing.
- Letting agents will need systems to evidence that hazards have been logged, escalated and remedied within the timeframes set under the Awaab's Law extension.
How it connects to property safety and compliance
- Awaab's Law timescales will apply to private landlords, raising the bar on damp, mould and other serious hazards.
- The Decent Homes Standard for PRS will bring property condition and thermal comfort under closer scrutiny.
- The Private Rented Sector Database is expected to make landlord and property compliance more transparent to tenants and councils.
How Sunderland Landlord Compliance can help
- Coordinate the compliance certificates (EPC, Gas Safety, EICR) that remain at the heart of any evidence trail under the new framework.
- Keep dated certificate records, renewal dates and uploaded documents organised against each property in one place.
- Coordinate visiting trades where damp, mould or other serious hazard reports need investigation and remedy.
Relevant SLC services and pages
Official sources
General awareness only
This page is published for general awareness and education. It is not legal advice and does not replace formal advice from a solicitor, surveyor or your local authority. Sunderland Landlord Compliance is a compliance coordination service and does not act as a legal adviser, local authority, enforcement body, surveyor, solicitor or housing inspector. SLC does not guarantee compliance.