The rental market is evolving, and for landlords and tenants across East Hertfordshire, understanding the changing language around lettings is more important than ever. As the latest phase of the Renters’ Rights reforms begins to take shape, new terminology is becoming part of everyday conversations.
The good news is that once broken down, these terms are far easier to understand than they first appear. This guide explains the key rental terms in plain English, helping landlords and tenants across East Herts feel more confident navigating the market.
Periodic Tenancy (Rolling Tenancy)
A major shift is the move towards periodic tenancies, often referred to as rolling tenancies.
Instead of having a fixed end date, these agreements continue on a month-to-month basis. This offers tenants more flexibility, while landlords manage tenancies in a more ongoing and responsive way.
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
The Assured Shorthold Tenancy has long been the standard tenancy agreement in England.
Under the reforms, the market is gradually moving away from fixed-term ASTs towards periodic arrangements. While the term is still commonly used, its role is evolving.
Section 21 Notice
A Section 21 notice has traditionally allowed landlords to regain possession of a property without providing a specific reason.
The reforms are moving towards removing this route, meaning landlords will instead rely on defined legal grounds when seeking possession.
Section 8 Notice
A Section 8 notice is used when a landlord needs to regain possession for a specific reason, such as rent arrears or a breach of tenancy.
This is expected to become the main route for possession, with clearer and more structured rules in place.
Grounds for Possession
These are the legal reasons a landlord can use to end a tenancy.
Examples include:
- Selling the property
- Moving into the property themselves or a family member doing so
- Rent arrears or breaches of the agreement
The reforms aim to make these grounds clearer and more consistent.
Rent Increase (Section 13 Notice)
With more tenancies becoming periodic, rent increases follow a formal process.
A Section 13 notice is used to propose a rent increase, giving tenants notice and the opportunity to respond. This ensures transparency and fairness.
Decent Homes Standard
The Decent Homes Standard sets out the minimum condition a rental property should meet, ensuring it is safe, warm, and in a good state of repair.
Expectations are increasing, meaning landlords should ensure their properties meet modern standards.
Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
A new ombudsman scheme is being introduced to help resolve disputes between landlords and tenants without the need for court action.
This provides an independent route for complaints and supports improved standards across the rental sector.
Property Portal (Landlord Register)
The proposed property portal will act as a national register where landlords list their properties and demonstrate compliance.
This is designed to improve transparency and help tenants better understand who they are renting from.
Right to Request a Pet
Under the reforms, tenants can request permission to keep a pet.
Landlords will need to consider these requests reasonably, creating a more balanced approach between tenant lifestyle and property management.
What this means for East Herts landlords and tenants
Across East Hertfordshire, the key takeaway is that the rental market is becoming more structured, transparent, and balanced.
For landlords, this means:
- Staying up to date with legal responsibilities
- Managing tenancies more proactively
- Communicating clearly with tenants
For tenants, it means:
- Greater flexibility in tenancy arrangements
- Clearer processes and expectations
- Improved standards across rental homes
Final thoughts
While the terminology may seem unfamiliar at first, these changes are designed to make renting simpler and fairer for everyone involved.
Understanding the language behind the reforms is the first step towards navigating the market with confidence.
Need help navigating the changes across East Herts?
Whether you are a landlord or tenant, having the right guidance can make all the difference.
At Hunters Stanstead Abbotts, we help clients across East Hertfordshire understand what these changes mean in practice and how they affect their property or tenancy.
Get in touch with our team today for clear, practical advice.
Your local property experts; our advice is free, but our knowledge is priceless.
“I have been in and around the Hertfordshire property market for over 25 years, starting as an estate agent in the county town of Hertford and now running a successful lettings and property management company based in Stanstead Abbotts. I have let and managed property all over Hertfordshire from the area that I currently work to Wheathampstead where I owned and managed a lettings & estate agents to Watford and surrounding areas where my company acted as a marketing agent for one of the largest property management companies in the country.”
