Landlords | Key Lettings Legislation and Compliance Dates for 2023 & Beyond

From the Renters (Reform) Bill to the Chancellor’s Autumn statement, landlords are going to need Vesper Group’s guidance more than ever in 2023 when it comes to compliance. Here are some key events to look out for:

Second reading for the renters reform bill

Date: TBC

The Renters (Reform) Bill will improve the system for the 2.3 million landlords in England. The reforms have been developed in consultation with landlord and tenant groups over the past 5 years. Some of the legislations in The Renters (Reform) Bill include:

Abolishing section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and moving to a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies are periodic – providing more security for tenants and empowering them to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction.
Introducing more comprehensive possession grounds so landlords can still recover their property (including where they wish to sell their property or move in close family) and to make it easier to repossess properties where tenants are at fault, for example in cases of anti-social behaviour and repeat rent arrears.
Introducing a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman which will provide fair, impartial, and binding resolution to many issues and prove quicker, cheaper, and less adversarial than the court system;
Giving tenants the right to request a pet in the property, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse. To support this, landlords will be able to require pet insurance to cover any damage to their property.

King's Speech

Date: 7 November 2023

The first King’s Speech for King Charles will take place on 7 November. This gives the government chance to share an overview on laws it aims to pass as well as its priorities for the coming months.

This will be the last parliamentary session before the general election which is expected in the first half of next year. Agents will need to listen out for any mention of the Renters (Reform) Bill to understand how that’s been prioritised for the end of this year.

Autumn statement from the Chancellor

Date: 22 November 2023

The Autumn Statement shares an update on the government’s plans for the economy. With a general election looming for this government, Jeremy Hunt will likely continue to face calls from the industry to offer more favourable tax incentives for landlords.

Increasing Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (England and Wales)

Date: TBC

Although an increase to minimum energy efficiency standards is awaiting government feedback from the consultation stage, it’s expected that, from April 2025, all new tenancies for private rented properties will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above, up from the current requirement of a band E rating.

From 2028, this increase will apply to all tenancies. This new legislation would also increase the capped amount that landlords would be required to invest to achieve the higher ratings, from £3,500 to £10,000.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessments (UK)

Date: 6 April 2026

For landlords registered for Income Tax Self Assessments and with an annual business or property income above £50,000, income and expenses will need to be submitted digitally four times a year from 6 April 2026, and allowances and adjustments at least once a year, under Making Tax Digital.

For landlords with an income between £30,000 to £50,000 the deadline is April 2027.