The Renters Rights Act Sedgley landlords need to prepare for is coming into effect and it’s the biggest shake-up in lettings law for over 30 years.
From new tenancy structures to the end of Section 21 in Sedgley, these changes will affect how you manage, maintain, and let your property. Whether you self-manage or use an agent, staying informed will be key to protecting your income and staying compliant.
In this blog, we break down what’s changing, how it affects you, and the simple steps you can take now to stay ahead of the new landlord legislation.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
The Renters’ Rights Act is a new law set to overhaul the private rental sector in England. It aims to make renting fairer and more transparent but it also places new duties on landlords.
Key changes include:
- Abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
- Introducing periodic tenancies as standard
- Launching a national landlord portal
- Strengthening property standards
- Requiring all landlords to join a redress scheme
- Giving tenants more rights, including pet ownership requests
Let’s look at how each of these will affect landlords in Sedgley.
Section 21 will be scrapped in Sedgley
Currently, Section 21 allows landlords to end a tenancy without giving a reason, provided notice is given. But under the Renters Rights Act Sedgley, this option is being removed.
To regain possession, landlords will need to rely on Section 8 and only if a legal ground applies. These include:
- Wanting to sell the property
- Needing to move in yourself or house a family member
- Persistent rent arrears
- Anti-social behaviour
- Breaches of the tenancy agreement
Landlord advice in Sedgley:
Get familiar with Section 8 now. You’ll need clear evidence and proper paperwork. This change means timing your lettings and understanding notice rules will be more important than ever.
Periodic tenancies will replace fixed-term contracts
Another key change is that all new tenancies will be periodic from day one. This means:
- No fixed end date
- The tenancy rolls on monthly
- Tenants can give two months’ notice at any time
- Landlords must use Section 8 to end the tenancy
This gives renters more flexibility, but it also affects planning for landlords.
What this means for you:
You may experience more frequent turnover or shorter stays unless your property is well maintained and priced correctly to encourage longer tenancies.
A digital property portal is being launched
The Renters Rights Act Sedgley includes the rollout of a national landlord portal. This will:
- List your rental properties
- Store compliance documents (e.g. EPCs, safety certificates, deposit protection)
- Allow councils and tenants to check whether a landlord is following the rules
What to do now:
Get your paperwork in order. Having clean, current documents ready to upload will make the transition easier and show you’re meeting your legal obligations.
All rental properties must meet the Decent Homes Standard
This standard, already used in social housing, will soon apply to all private lets too. It requires your property to:
- Be free from serious health or safety hazards
- Be in a reasonable state of repair
- Have modern facilities (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, heating)
- Provide adequate thermal comfort
Advice for Sedgley landlords:
Don’t wait to be told. Book a property condition report and make any necessary repairs now. Being proactive avoids costly enforcement action later.
Tenants will have more rights when it comes to pets
Under the new rules, tenants will be able to request permission to keep a pet and landlords can’t refuse without a good reason.
You’ll still be allowed to:
- Require pet insurance
- Add clauses covering pet damage
- Refuse pets in specific settings (e.g. flats with restrictive leases)
Top tip:
Consider adding a pet policy to your tenancy agreement now. Making it clear from the outset can help you avoid disputes while staying compliant.
All landlords must join a redress scheme
The new landlord legislation will require every landlord, even those who self-manage to join an approved Ombudsman scheme.
This will help tenants raise concerns without going to court, and provide a neutral, structured route for resolving disputes.
Why it matters:
You’ll need to be able to show that you’ve acted fairly, responded to issues promptly, and maintained records. That’s the best defence in any disagreement.
Rent increases will be more closely regulated
Rent rises will still be allowed, but with stricter rules:
- Only one rent increase per year
- Two months’ written notice required
- Tenants can challenge rises through a tribunal
- Increases must reflect local market values
What Sedgley landlords should do:
Document your current rent levels and set a clear process for reviewing and adjusting rents fairly. Transparency builds trust and helps retain good tenants.
Local councils will gain stronger enforcement powers
Dudley Council, which covers Sedgley, will have increased authority to:
- Enforce repairs
- Issue fines for non-compliance
- Ban landlords for serious or repeated breaches
Landlord advice in Sedgley:
Now’s the time to stay ahead. Work with a letting agent who knows the rules inside out and can help you avoid common pitfalls.
How to prepare for the Renters Rights Act in Sedgley
To protect your property and income, start preparing now. Here’s what to focus on:
- Review all your tenancy agreements
Switch to periodic agreements and remove outdated clauses. - Organise all compliance documents
Ensure your EPC, gas safety, and electrical certificates are current and accessible. - Audit your properties
Make a checklist based on the Decent Homes Standard and fix anything that falls short. - Update your communication processes
Keep written records of repairs, inspections, rent changes, and tenant interactions. - Budget for legal cover
Evictions will be more structured considering landlord insurance that covers legal fees. - Work with an expert
An experienced lettings team can guide you through every update and handle compliance on your behalf.
The end of Section 21 in Sedgley: risk or opportunity?
The end of Section 21 in Sedgley might feel like a loss of control but for well-organised landlords, it’s not all bad news.
Tenants will stay longer in well-managed homes. Disputes will have clearer resolution routes. And properties that meet higher standards will stand out in a competitive market.
With the right systems in place, this change is an opportunity to raise standards and build stronger relationships with tenants while protecting your investment long-term.
Get expert landlord advice in Sedgley
At Hunters Sedgley, we’re already helping landlords prepare for the Renters Rights Act. Whether you’re reviewing contracts, upgrading a property, or need help understanding the new eviction rules, we’re here to make things easier.
Our services include:
- Tenancy agreement reviews
- Compliance checks
- Section 8 guidance
- Property condition audits
- Lettings support from marketing to move-out
