More power to renters, directors’ report requirement removed, and charities face new rules around marketing
Renters welcome the latest news as the new Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law, giving tenants greater security. Plus, company directors may breathe a sigh of relief as their report requirement is removed from their annual accounts, and the ICO begins a consultation to support charities in their online marketing strategies.
Renters’ Rights Act Becomes Law in England
The government’s Renters’ Rights Bill has now become law, following Royal Assent last week. The new Act introduces a wide range of changes for private landlords in England.
The details on how and when these new rules will take effect are still to come, but here is a review of some of the key measures that will be introduced.
End of Section 21 evictions
The most notable change is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.
This doesn’t mean that landlords cannot evict tenants, but they will only be able to do so in certain circumstances.
Tenancy structure
The Act will replace most existing tenancy types with a single system of periodic (rolling) tenancies.
This means that if you use fixed 12 or 24-month contracts, they will no longer be possible. Tenants will be able to give two months’ notice at any time, rather than being tied in for a year or longer.
New ombudsman and registration requirements
A Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will be set up to handle complaints from tenants. Membership will be mandatory for landlords, and the ombudsman’s decisions will be binding.
A new Private Rented Sector Database will also be created. This is to help landlords understand their legal obligations and demonstrate compliance. Tenants will be able to use this when deciding to enter a tenancy agreement. Registration on the database may be necessary before being able to use certain grounds for repossession.
Other measures
Further reforms include:
- A ban on rental bidding. Landlords will be required to advertise a fixed rent and cannot accept offers above this.
- Landlords will not be able to refuse tenants because they have children or receive benefits.
- Tenants will have strengthened rights to request a pet in the property, which the landlord will have to consider and cannot unreasonably refuse.
- Application of the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private sector, which will impact what is expected with the condition of properties and timescales for repairs.
- Local authority enforcement will be strengthened with the expansion of civil penalties, introducing investigatory powers and requiring local authorities to report on their enforcement activity.
Details on how and when the law will be implemented can be expected over the coming weeks.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/historic-renters-rights-act-becomes-law
Directors’ Report Requirement to Be Removed
As part of its move to reduce ‘red tape’ and aid business growth, the government has announced plans to remove the requirement for companies to include a directors’ report as part of their annual accounts.
Micro-entities are already exempted from the requirement to include a directors’ report in their accounts; however, it is intended that the requirement will be removed for all companies. It is estimated that this will affect approximately 440,000 companies.
Medium-sized private companies will also be exempted from the requirement to prepare a strategic report as part of their annual report and accounts.
Wholly-owned subsidiaries will also be exempted from preparing a strategic report, provided their disclosures are included in the UK parent company’s annual report and accounts.
Estimates suggest that these changes could save UK businesses in the region of £230 million each year, and legislation to bring about these changes will be introduced as soon as possible.
ICO Consultation Opens on New Email and Text Marketing Rules for Charities
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched a consultation on how charities can make use of new rules that will allow greater use of electronic marketing in contacting their supporters.
From January 2026, the Data (Use and Access) Act will introduce a new ‘charitable purpose soft opt-in’. This will allow charities to send marketing emails and texts to people who have expressed interest in or offered to support a charity – even if they haven’t specifically ticked a consent box – provided certain conditions are met.
How the new rule will work
The change is intended to make it easier for charities to stay in touch with potential supporters and raise funds, while still protecting individuals’ data rights.
The charitable purpose soft opt-in will not apply to contacts already held in existing databases. Charities must always provide a clear opportunity to opt out – both when contact details are first collected and in every communication sent.
ICO’s consultation
The ICO’s consultation runs until 27 November and invites feedback from charities and others working in the third sector.
Emily Keaney, the ICO’s Deputy Commissioner for Regulatory Policy, said the soft opt-in is intended “to help charities stay connected with the people who want to support them, while still making sure everyone has control over how their data is used.”
Steps charities can take now
Although the new rule won’t apply until 2026, the ICO has provided some tips on what charities can do to prepare.
- Update your privacy notice – make sure it clearly explains how your charity will use their personal information.
- Plan your communications – decide how you will explain the soft opt-in when collecting new contact details, and how you’ll make it clear why someone is receiving marketing messages.
- Keep separate contact lists – since you cannot send electronic mail marketing to people whose contact details were collected before the soft opt-in commences, you’ll need to keep separate lists of those who have given their consent and those who will be contacted under the soft opt-in.
- Train your team – ensure staff know how to handle queries or complaints about marketing messages.
Next steps
Charities interested in shaping how the new rules are applied can respond to the ICO’s consultation.