According to the revised draft, court reviews of existing leases will be conducted before the repeal of Section 21. The purpose of this measure is to ensure that courts can handle an increased number of cases effectively, offering better judicial protection for both tenants and landlords. As the rental market continues to grow and expand, the increase in the courts’ workload has become an urgent issue. By reviewing existing leases, courts will be better equipped to handle various rental disputes and protect the rights of both parties.

Modifications to fixed-term leases are also a focus of this revision. Under the new regulations, tenants are required to stay for at least four months before they can give two months' notice to leave early. The aim of this amendment is to balance the rights between tenants and landlords, avoiding inconvenience and loss caused by early termination of leases. Simultaneously, it will effectively reduce disputes and conflicts arising from early contract terminations, providing stability for the development of the rental market.

propertywire.com

The amendments also involve ownership provisions for student accommodations. Under the new regulations, student accommodations will be granted new ownership rights to ensure that student landlords can maintain the annual cycle of student tenants. This amendment will effectively protect the interests of student renters, preventing unnecessary disturbances and impacts due to changes in landlords. Additionally, it will help improve the management efficiency of student accommodations, providing students with a more stable and comfortable living environment.

Beverley Kennard, director of rental operations at Knight Frank, expressed that these revisions will provide more protection and confidence for both landlords and tenants. Particularly, the abolition of Section 21 evictions will clarify the rental system, requiring landlords to provide an acceptable reason for eviction based on evidence. This will help reduce unnecessary evictions and disputes, ensuring the healthy development of the rental market.

Finally, these revisions were initially proposed by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2019 and were first unveiled in May of the previous year. Through these amendments, the government hopes to further improve and optimize the legal framework of the rental market, providing a more fair, transparent, and stable rental environment for tenants and landlords, and promoting the healthy development of the rental market.