Welcome to our last Newsround of July where bring you all the latest landlord related news from the past week.
The end of Section 21
Today (31 July 2026) is the very last day that landlords can issue proceedings for possession based on a Section 21 notice.
The end of an era!
Landlords who served their s21 notice but did not serve the government’s information sheet, must (if they have not issued proceedings) serve it now.
Rental behaviour shifts on pets
It appears that the Renters’ Rights Act changed the mindset for renters on admitting to having a pet until the very last minute in some cases.
Searches within Rightmove have declined 54% for ‘pet friendly’ accommodation now that a landlord cannot unreasonably refuse a pet. Fewer tenants feel the need to filter for this search, and their behaviour has shifted to discussing pets with landlords further down the process, some even at the time of signing their new tenancy agreement.
Marc von Grundherr of Benham and Reeves said that this ‘demonstrates just how significantly attitudes have changed following the legislation ‘. He added that the ‘reality is that tenants now understand the balance of power has shifted’.
Tenants are happy with their rentals – claim
A new report out by the English Housing Survey, which canvassed 14,000 private renters, states that 84% of tenants are satisfied with the repairs and maintenance of their accommodation and indeed, what rent they are paying.
Renters are also paying a smaller proportion of their wages on rent compared to four years ago. This questions the government’s claim that the PRS is ‘broken’.
David Smith, Policy Director at Residential Landlords Association said
It shows that renters are spending less of their income on housing, at 33%, down from 34% the previous year and 36% in 2014/15, and are staying in their homes for over four years on average.
It’s not so bright for younger tenants (16 to 24-year-olds) though who spend 45% of their income on rent.
Rise of rodent infestations in PRS
There has been a significant rise in pest infestations over the last five years as ongoing changes to waste collections, including separate food waste collections, coupled with ageing drainage infrastructure and increasingly larger populated areas, according to Tony King, a pest controller.
His advice to landlords is that they should act quickly if they get a rodent complaint and to be proactive when carrying out inspections. The also need to educate their tenants more on checking for signs of pest activity, how they must dispose of their rubbish correctly, and how to keep refuse areas tidy and secure. They should clearly state what the tenants’ obligations are.
Landlords need to prove that they have acted proactively, carried out repairs and obtained the help of a professional pest control company should a complaint be lodged at a local authority. Or, be able to prove that the infestation is down to poor tenant housekeeping or managing waste.
Let’s end this week’s Newsround with some positive news.
HMO landlords shine the beacon on energy efficiency
HMO landlords are leading the way in accelerating energy efficiency in their properties, with 66% of them now achieving an EPC rating of A to C. According to data published this week by Paragon Bank. 28% of HMO landlords have also brought forward improvements for energy efficiency. This is well before the government deadline of all rental properties being at an EPC C by 2030.
In addition to this, four in ten HMO landlords are proactively helping their tenants against household costs by taking on some of the increase in rising energy bills rather than passing it all on.
A spokesperson for Paragon Bank said
Energy efficiency is now a core part of how HMO landlords operate. Many are already ahead of proposed standards, which reflects a long-term approach to managing their properties.
Snippets
New Housing Minister wants even tougher rental rules
Notts council eyes tougher controls for HMOs
Town’s landlords face clean-up warning
Government admits no assessment of burden facing landlords
Britain’s uninhabitable homes: as temperatures rise, a new approach is needed
See also our Quick News Updates on Landlord Law
Newsround will be back again next week
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