The Renters’ Reform Bill is introducing significant changes for landlords in England, increasing compliance requirements and penalties for those who fail to follow the new rules. With the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, stricter enforcement of property standards, and new tenant protections, landlords must be proactive to avoid costly fines and legal action.
At Hudson & Brown Residential, we provide expert guidance, legal cover, and comprehensive landlord support to ensure you stay compliant while protecting your rental investment.
Key Compliance Areas Under the Renters’ Reform Bill
The Renters’ Reform Bill aims to create a fairer rental market, but this means landlords face increased scrutiny and stricter penalties for:
• Unlawful evictions (e.g., failing to follow the new Section 8 process)
• Failing to meet property standards (e.g., poor maintenance or unsafe conditions)
• Not refunding deposits correctly
• Discriminating against tenants on benefits or with pets
Landlords who fail to comply could face severe financial penalties, loss of rental income, and even bans from renting out properties.
Penalties Landlords Face Under the Renters’ Reform Bill
1. Unlawful Evictions – Fines up to £30,000 & Criminal Charges
With Section 21 abolished, landlords must use the new Section 8 grounds to evict tenants legally. If a landlord tries to remove a tenant without following due process, they could face:
✔ Fines up to £30,000 for unlawful eviction
✔ Potential criminal charges for harassment or illegal eviction
✔ Court-ordered compensation to the tenant
At Hudson & Brown Residential, we offer expert legal cover and eviction support to help landlords avoid disputes and navigate evictions lawfully.
2. Breaching Property Standards – Fines up to £30,000
Landlords must ensure their properties meet safety and habitability standards. Failing to provide a safe and well-maintained home could result in:
✔ Up to £30,000 in civil penalties for unsafe housing
✔ Rent repayment orders if the property is deemed uninhabitable
✔ Being placed on the ‘rogue landlord’ database
Hudson & Brown Residential provides property management services to help landlords maintain high standards and avoid penalties.
3. Failure to Return Deposits Properly – 3x the Deposit as Compensation
Under the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS), landlords must protect tenant deposits and return them promptly at the end of the tenancy. Failure to do so could lead to:
✔ Fines of up to three times the deposit amount
✔ Legal disputes delaying the return of possession
Our tenant management services ensure all deposits are handled legally, avoiding costly mistakes.
4. Discriminating Against Tenants – Unlimited Fines
Landlords can no longer impose blanket bans on:
✔ Tenants on benefits (“No DSS” policies are illegal)
✔ Tenants with pets (Reasonable pet requests must be considered)
If found guilty of discrimination, landlords could face unlimited fines and legal action from tenants.
At Hudson & Brown Residential, we ensure all landlords remain compliant with Fair Housing Laws while still securing the best tenants for their properties.
How to Stay Compliant and Protect Your Investment
Navigating the Renters’ Reform Bill can be complex, but landlords can protect themselves by:
✔ Using expert tenant referencing to avoid problem tenants
✔ Having legal cover to handle disputes effectively
✔ Taking out rent protection insurance to safeguard rental income
✔ Partnering with a professional property management company like Hudson & Brown Residential
Need Expert Guidance? Contact Hudson & Brown Residential Today
Avoid fines, legal disputes, and unnecessary stress—let us handle compliance for you.
📞 Call us today for expert advice on: 020 3633 7945
✅ Evictions & legal cover
✅ Tenant referencing & rent protection
✅ Property management & compliance
Let’s ensure your rental investment remains profitable and fully compliant under the new rules!
