Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam sed molestie enim, nec lobortis velit. Mauris quam velit, mattis eu lacinia vel, viverra luctus est. Integer et est aliquet, aliquet augue ac, consectetur purus. In nec risus mi. Praesent sed justo semper, blandit purus eu, congue risus.
The Act bans bidding wars on properties to let and limits rent in advance payments to one month. Landlords may request up to one month’s rent in advance, provided this is requested after the tenancy agreement is signed and before the tenancy begins. Once the tenancy is underway, rent must be paid in line with the agreed-upon due date, and no clause can require payment earlier than the period it covers. While tenants remain free to pay rent early if they wish, this cannot be a requirement.
For existing tenancies already in place on the commencement date, any clauses requiring advance rent will continue to be valid. You may request one month’s rent upfront at the start of a tenancy, but you cannot require rent to be paid early during the term itself.
With these updates, including limits on rent in advance and changes to property marketing, setting the right rent from the outset and ensuring appropriate protections are in place is more important than ever. Our team is here to review your current approach and help you adapt smoothly and confidently.
The market will naturally adjust to these provisions, with rents set at an optimised level to reflect demand and property value. The vast majority of landlords are responsible and already provide decent housing and a good service for their tenants. The Decent Homes Standard (DHS) will help landlords by clarifying requirements and establishing a level playing field, backed up by consistent enforcement. It will make the expectations clear and identify those landlords who don’t comply, making the sector fairer for those who do.
The right rent price strategy matters more than ever. As bidding wars are removed from the process, accurate market pricing and strong tenant selection will be key to maximising returns. Speak to us about how we position properties to perform well under the new framework.
We’ll ensure your property is marketed competitively while adhering to these new rules. Our exclusive Rent & Legal Protection policy (RLP) offers additional protection here, covering landlords If the first month’s rent isn’t paid after a tenancy is signed. Our clients can now claim immediately without this impacting any future claims.
Have questions about how this affects your existing tenancies or future lets? Our team is happy to review your current arrangements and talk through any changes you may need to make. Contact us for clear, practical advice.