Preparing landlords for major changes ahead of the Renters Rights Act

Dorset Council is urging local private landlords to get ready for significant reforms coming into force on 1 May, as part of the upcoming Renters Rights Act.

To support the sector through these changes, the council is hosting a dedicated Landlord Forum on 25 March at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester. The "Renters Rights Act" focus will offer clear guidance, expert insight and practical advice from a range of speakers.

The new legislation introduces major updates for the private rented sector, with tougher compliance expectations and the potential for substantial fines for those who fail to meet the revised standards.

Among the key changes in the Act are:

* End of No Reason/Fault evictions, known as Section 21 evictions - landlords will not be able to evict tenants without good reason

* Rent increase limits - only one rent increase per year will be allowed

* Advance rent payment cap - advance rent payments will be capped at one month

* Renting with pets - landlords cannot reject tenants requests without good reason

* Protection against discrimination - blanket bans to refuse tenants with children will become illegal

* Landlord ombudsman - the new mandatory ombudsman will provide free impartial complaint resolution

* Stronger enforcement and penalties - landlords must comply with tenancy changes and register their properties to avoid possible fines.

Councillor Gill Taylor, Cabinet Portfolio Member for Housing and Health, urged landlords to attend the session, saying the legislation was arguably the most important and far-reaching to affect the landlord sector in 50 years.

"While the Renters Rights Act brings big changes, it also offers a real opportunity to strengthen the private rented sector for both landlords and tenants. Dorset Council is here to support landlords every step of the way, and I would encourage everyone to make use of the guidance, resources and expert insight available at the March forum.

"Evidence shows that happy tenants stay longer, raise issues earlier and more constructively and cost less to manage," she added.

The event will bring together specialists from across the council and partner services. Planned topics and contributors include:

* Renters Rights Act 2025 - Housing Standards and Options teams

* Anti-social behaviour team

* Key4Me Scheme - Housing Options

* Trading Standards - Compliance team

Landlords can find further information on the Renters Rights Act - https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/renters-rights-2025

To book your ticket on Eventbrite - https://tinyurl.com/y746ehk4