By Charlie Panayi, CEO, Red Squirrel Property Shop
www.redsquirrelpropertyshop.co.uk
There’s been a lot of noise lately about changes to the rental sector, and lots of what I’ve heard has been completely false!
Renters’ Reform, energy rules, no-fault evictions going, the list goes on. But if you’re a landlord or tenant here on the Isle of Wight, the big question is simple: What does any of this actually mean for you?
Let’s cut through the noise…
End of Section 21 (No-Fault Evictions)
This is the headline change. Once legislation is finalised (likely over the next 12 months), landlords will no longer be able to ask tenants to leave without giving a specific reason. Section 21 will be scrapped, and all evictions will need to go through Section 8, which means the landlord must give a valid, legal reason (e.g. rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, selling the property, etc).
What this means on the Island:
For good landlords who maintain their properties and treat tenants fairly, this shouldn’t be a problem.
But it will mean being more structured with paperwork and making sure your reasons for ending a tenancy are documented properly.
For tenants, this adds more stability. You’ll have the right to remain in your home unless there’s a valid legal reason for eviction, and the process must follow a clear route.
Rolling Tenancies Are the New Normal
Fixed-term tenancy agreements are being phased out. Instead, all tenancies will become periodic by default, meaning they roll monthly. Tenants can give two months’ notice at any point, and landlords will need a valid reason to ask them to leave.
This may make it trickier for some landlords who prefer fixed terms, especially with seasonal lets, which are common on the Island. But with the right preparation and vetting, it shouldn’t stop things running smoothly.
Pets, Benefit Claimants & Fair Access
Landlords won’t be able to outright refuse tenants based on benefits or having children. And tenants can now request to keep pets, which landlords must “reasonably consider.” Landlords can request pet insurance as part of this, which is fair enough.
Again, this is about levelling the playing field. It’s not a free-for-all, but it will mean landlords need to shift away from blanket refusals and instead look at each applicant individually.
EPC Targets & Energy Rules Coming Soon
The government is also still planning to raise the minimum EPC rating for rental properties to Band C, likely by 2030. While that sounds far off, for older Isle of Wight homes (of which there are many), this could mean insulation upgrades, new heating systems, or window replacements.
Now’s the time for landlords to review their EPCs and plan ahead — funding options do exist, but waiting until the last minute will make it more costly and stressful.
Health & Safety Rules Are Tightening — And Fast
Awaab’s Law is being extended to private rentals. This means landlords will be legally required to address serious hazards (like damp and mould) within set timeframes, likely 14 days to investigate, and 7 days to start repairs.
Combined with the rollout of the Decent Homes Standard to the private sector, it’s clear the government wants every rented home to meet a basic standard of safety and comfort.
Locally, this is a big one. We have a lot of older properties here, and not all are up to modern standards. Landlords will need to act quickly on tenant complaints and ensure their properties are dry, safe, and well-maintained. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about protecting health.
Final Word
The rental sector is evolving…and fast. But not all change is bad.
These shifts are pushing us towards a more professional, fair and balanced market. Yes, landlords will need to adapt, but the Island already has many who treat tenants well and run their properties properly.
For tenants, the goal is simple: more security, better standards, and a fair shot at finding a decent home.
If you’re unsure what any of this means for your property, whether you rent or let, just reach out to me or my team. We’re happy to help.
This is all about business development by the author.
How for example does a leasehold rental work when the property lease expressly prohibits pets. Will the change in primary legislation be prime over a lease that has say 950 years to run of a 999 year term.
And landlords who have to improve the EPC but find the cost prohibitive will just sell up reducing the rental stock. This proposed legislation hopefully will stop dodgy landlords but will have unintended (or ignored) consequences.
Just saying!
The country was a much better place pre private
landlords.
Councils need to take back control of properties.
The first local authority properties were 1919, then not many more until 1940s. Who do you think people rented from prior to that…or did you think everyone in England owned their own homes? If we’re harking back to the good ol’ days pre ownership of housing, pre feudalism…..(are you really THAT old?) …I’d certainly agree.
Good point, but nowdays any Tom, Dick or Harry can
become landlords, hence so many rogue landlords.
Many over charge compared to Council or Housing
organisations.
Landlords have always been rogue…they capitalise on deprivation and need, hence why their rents have skyrocketed. It’s passive income, and the less they have to do the better for them. You only have to look back at the slums pre social hosing to see that. When social housing was first introduced, the rent’s were set at roughly 80% of the average….and the rent increases have kept pace with inflation. Now though, social rents are less than 50% of the average, meaning that longer term private landlords (portfolio property holders) have made well over and above the interest rate….especially in recent years. In fairness though, that SHOULD be only those from recent mortgages, although why anyone would want a buy to let mortgage at today’s prices is beyond me.
The best thing landlords can do is sell the property quickly.
Thank you for the clarification.