The long‑anticipated Renters’ Rights Bill is poised to bring some of the most significant changes to the private rental sector in decades. For landlords in Leicester, the landscape you have worked within is about to shift – but the good news is that with the right preparation, you can stay ahead, stay compliant and protect your investment.
At Barkers Leicester we support landlords across the city – from student lets to family homes – and we’re already helping many navigate what’s coming. This blog explains the Bill in plain English, explores how it will affect you locally, and sets out clear steps you can take now.
What is the Renters’ Rights Bill?
In simplest terms, the Renters’ Rights Bill forms part of a new approach by the UK Government to reform the private rented sector. It aims to improve stability and rights for tenants, while raising standards and clarity for landlords.
Key proposals include:
- Abolishing the use of Section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions.
- Switching to periodic tenancies only, in place of fixed‑term contracts.
- Strengthening the grounds for possession under Section 8.
- Introducing a Decent Homes Standard for privately rented properties.
- Requiring landlords to register via a national Property Portal.
- Bringing in a single Ombudsman scheme for landlord‑tenant disputes.
We’ll now walk through each of these, and what they mean for landlords in Leicester.
Section 21 is scrapped
One of the biggest changes: landlords will no longer be able to serve a Section 21 notice simply because a fixed term has ended or to reclaim possession without reason. Instead, you’ll have to rely on Section 8 — and that means you’ll need a valid legal ground (for example, rent arrears, selling the property, moving in yourself, or anti‑social behaviour).
Implications for Leicester landlords
- If you let to students in areas near the University or De Montfort University, your typical 12‑month contract may need reconsidering.
- You’ll need to keep excellent records: rent receipts, inspection notes, communication with tenants.
- If you ever need to regain possession, the process may be longer or more complex than under Section 21.
Periodic tenancies become standard
Under the Bill, fixed‐term tenancies will be phased out. All new tenancies will roll on a periodic basis (monthly). This gives more flexibility to tenants, but also means landlords will need to adapt.
For Leicester landlords this means:
- Tenants will be able to give two months notice to end their tenancy.
- Planning for turnovers, student changeovers or refurbishments will require more flexibility.
- Landlords will need to rely on valid Section 8 notice grounds for possession.
Stronger Section 8 grounds
To balance the loss of Section 21, the Bill proposes to strengthen Section 8. That means clearer, more robust grounds for when you might need to regain possession.
What you should do:
- Familiarise yourself with the new grounds (e.g., repeated rent arrears, serious breach of tenancy, landlord selling).
- Make sure you document any issues promptly (late payments, tenant complaints, property damage).
- Avoid informal notice arrangements – everything should be in writing and properly filed.
Decent Homes Standard for private rented properties
This change means that privately rented homes must meet a minimum standard of repair, safety, energy efficiency and amenity. Things like adequate heating, functional kitchens and bathrooms, minimal damp or hazard risk, and likely a minimum EPC rating (Currently a minimum of grade “E” or above and due to be increased to a “C” as a minimum in the near future).
In Leicester context:
- Many homes in the city’s older roads (for example around Highfields, Belgrave, or Evington) may need a review of energy efficiency and maintenance.
- If you manage properties that command higher rents due to quality (for example in Stoneygate and South Knighton), this change helps you demonstrate that your property meets strong standards – making your let more attractive.
- Use this change as an opportunity: upgrading now may reduce future risk, downtime or tenant complaints.
Property Portal and registration
The Bill requires landlords to register each property on a national portal, giving a transparent picture of rental stock, compliance and licensing. You’re likely to need to submit evidence of key certificates (gas safety, EPC, electrical inspection), licence compliance, deposits etc.
How to prepare:
- Gather all your certificates, records and licence documents.
- Make sure your record‑keeping system (digital or paper) is up to date.
- Consider how you manage multiple properties: registration adds admin, but also gives credibility and shows you’re a professional landlord.
Single Ombudsman scheme
A new single ombudsman for the private rented sector means tenants will have a clear route to raise complaints, and landlords will have to follow consistent processes with regard to disputes.
For you as a landlord in Leicester:
- Make sure your tenant communication, records, repair response practices and tenancy handovers are professionally managed.
- Consider joining a professional body or using a managing agent which already aligns with ombudsman requirements.
- Being proactive here helps avoid disputes, bad feedback or compliance problems.
How will these changes affect landlords in Leicester specifically?
The Leicester rental market is diverse: strong demand from students (in areas like Clarendon Park), professionals/families (Evington and Braunstone). That diversity means these reforms will affect different segments in different ways – but the underlying message is clear: professionalism, documentation and standard‑setting matter more now than ever.
Some specific impacts:
- Student lets: If you rely on fixed 12‑month terms to align with academic years, you may need to reconsider. Clear strategies will be important.
- Mid‑market lets: For properties let to professionals, meeting the Decent Homes Standard and demonstrating registration/portal compliance will keep your property competitive.
- Portfolio landlords: If you own multiple properties across Leicester, managing the admin of registration, compliance, inspection and record‑keeping will become more important.
What you can do now to protect your investment
Being proactive is always the best policy. Here’s a simple checklist:
- Review and update your tenancy agreements – make sure they reflect the upcoming changes (periodic tenure, valid grounds for possession).
- Audit your properties – check EPC ratings, gas & electrical compliance, key repairs, decoration and tenancy exit logistics.
- Improve record‑keeping – use digital systems where possible; keep all tenancy correspondence, payment history, inspection reports, repairs logged.
- Understand the eviction process under Section 8 – know your rights, know the notices you’ll need and the evidence required.
- Engage with a professional agent or managing service – at Barkers Leicester we help landlords stay compliant, manage tenants and prepare property for change.
- Communicate with tenants – clear, transparent communication builds goodwill, helps resolve small issues before they escalate and demonstrates you’re a professional landlord.
Final word
Change can feel daunting – but it also offers opportunity. The Renters’ Rights Bill may reshape how landlords operate, but it doesn’t leave you powerless. By staying informed, staying prepared and maintaining high standards, you can not only adapt – you can excel.
At Barkers Leicester we’re here to guide you, support you and help you manage your property portfolio with confidence and clarity. The reforms are coming – let’s make sure you’re ready for them.
