A note from our sponsor, WJ Meade
MEOTRA is very grateful for the sponsorship of WJ Meade. Please read on for a message directly from Billy Maddin, Managing Director at WJ Meade.
Dear Resident,
Renters' Rights Bill 2025 – WJMeade Lettings & Property Management
Having been in the Bow & Mile End area for over 30 years, we are the longest standing independent agent. We understand the importance of building relationships within the local community; it is this ethos along with our wealth of experience and market knowledge which has helped grow our presence and reputation to what it is today.
As your local property experts, we are committed to keeping residents informed of any significant legislative changes that may affect you and remind you of the services we offer to help assist you. This particular article is focused on the Renter’s Rights Bill and how your duties as a landlord are going to change.
This Bill introduces several key changes to the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants and once passed, the Bill is expected to come into force with immediate effect after Royal Assent. It is expected this will become law between Spring and Summer of this year. It has been moving through parliament at incredible speed and is due for its second reading in the House of Lords on the 4th February 2025 (see table below):
Whilst many landlords are concerned about the Bill and its implications in the private rented sector, I have reviewed the Bill in depth, read what governing bodies have said and also had lengthy discussions within our own team, so that we can begin to plan a path forward for our clients.
There are a number of scheduled key changes outlined in the legislation, however I wanted to bring attention seven key elements. These are as follows:
All tenancies will become Periodic Tenancies (no fixed terms).
Abolishment of the Section 21 Notice (no fault eviction).
Limit on Rent being paid in advance (only one month).
Amendment of the Section 8 Notice (new grounds to evict a tenant with a valid reason).
Tenants will be able to keep Pets (but will need to provide pet insurance).
National Landlord Database (landlords will have to upload property documents to a database).
Landlord Ombudsman (tenants will be able to raise grievances directly against landlords).
For the full details of what is proposed in the Bill, I have created a summary schedule named ‘Renter’s Rights Bill 2025 – Key Elements’. Click here to view it
Over the past couple of years, we have attracted a number of new landlords that either used to manage the property themselves or felt that their agent was not up to par, including having actioned a number of ‘management takeovers’ where clients have transferred an existing tenancy to us. For those of you reading this article who either self-manage or are disappointed with their current agent; now is the time to re-evaluate your position and consider instructing WJMeade to let and manage your property. We are a proud family run business who care about our clients. Unlike other corporate agents in the area, we take things personally and strive to deliver exceptional service.
We have already completed a lot of work behind the scenes so that we are prepared for the Renter’s Rights Bill, from amending existing processes and procedures, as well as training staff on new policies. It will be crucial for landlords to stay compliant when the Renter’s Rights Bill is enacted and having WJMeade by your side will offer you the utmost protection. We understand that navigating these changes will be challenging, but we will be here to support our clients every step of the way.
For any of you who may wish to discuss the upcoming changes and how we can help, I am happy to set up a meeting or call; my details are below should you wish to make contact. For any new clients wishing to use our services, I am happy to offer an unprecedented introductory offer.
I hope you have found this article informative and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Billy Maddin
Managing Director
W J Meade Estate Agents
0208 981 3331
