The abolition of assured shorthold tenancies and section 21 evictions marks the beginning of a ‘brave new world’ for England’s rental sector, writes Daniel Bacon of Seddons GSC
In NLJ this week, Bacon writes that the new Renters’ Rights regime dramatically reshapes the balance between landlords and tenants. Although section 21’s demise has been hailed as a tenant victory, he argues its repeal may actually simplify possession claims for landlords by removing technical traps surrounding deposits and gas safety rules.
At the same time, tenants gain stronger protections against rent increases and more opportunities to challenge landlords through tribunals. Bacon predicts those tribunals will become heavily congested because tenants now have little downside in disputing rent rises, potentially delaying increases for months. He also highlights the end of the notorious ‘AST trap’ affecting leaseholders and shared owners.
Overall, he sees ‘swings and roundabouts’: landlords gain broader possession grounds but face more uncertainty, bigger rent repayment risks and longer procedural delays.
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