Renting out a property in Devon is on the brink of significant change. The Renters’ Rights Bill—set to become law in 2025—will transform how landlords manage their properties, interact with tenants, and ensure compliance. Here’s an essential guide to help local landlords, especially those in family-run businesses like ours at Your Home Let Devon, navigate the new landscape.
Parliamentary Status: Where Are We Now?
As of August 2025, the Renters’ Rights Bill has passed its House of Commons reading and is under final review in the House of Lords. After extensive debate and a few political ping-pongs, the Government expects Royal Assent in autumn 2025. Most changes will roll out in stages to give landlords—big and small—space to adapt.
Key Changes Every Devon Landlord Must Understand
Abolishing Section 21: End of ‘No-Fault’ Evictions
Arguably the headline-grabber: Section 21 evictions (the so-called “no-fault” evictions) are being scrapped. This alters the balance of power between landlords and tenants. In practice, this means:
- Landlords must give a specific reason for repossessing their property.
- All existing fixed-term tenancies will automatically convert to periodic ones.
- Both new and current tenancies fall under this new regime from implementation.
Devon impact: You’ll need clear processes and documentation for ending tenancies, whether in bustling Exeter, seaside Plymouth, or rural hamlets across South Hams.
Stronger Section 8: New Grounds for Possession
It’s not all tenant-friendly. Section 8 is getting beefed up so landlords can still reclaim properties in certain situations:
- Selling the property
- Family moving in
- Persistent rent arrears (with stricter guidance)
- Serious antisocial behaviour
Fresh rules will prevent these powers from being abused. To regain possession, you’ll need a solid paper trail and must follow the new legal framework to the letter.
Greater Financial Safeguards for Tenants
Landlords (and agents) can no longer demand:
- More than one month’s rent in advance
- More than six weeks’ security deposit
Setting rent higher than the advertised figure or running informal bidding wars is banned. Breaking these rules? Fines up to £5,000 now apply.
This change is worth a closer look, as traditionally in Devon, taking extra rent in advance has helped cover risk for tenants arriving from abroad, with patchy credit, or those starting out as self-employed.
Decent Homes Standard
The government will extend the Decent Homes Standard—already in use for social housing—into the private rented sector. What does this mean?
- All properties must be structurally sound, safe, and free from hazards
- Minimum standards for heating, damp, energy performance, wiring, and more
As Devon’s landscape is dotted with older homes and quirky conversions, this will prompt many landlords to invest in upgrades—think new boilers, insulation, damp-proofing, and electrical checks.
Tenant Rights: What’s New in 2025?
Pets in Properties
Tenants now have the right to request a pet. Landlords can’t say no without a solid reason, but you can:
- Ask for pet insurance (to protect against damage)
- Refuse if your mortgage or the property lease prohibits it
Rent Appeal Rights
Tenants are empowered to appeal rent rises that significantly exceed the local market average. Any increase must follow the correct procedure and be fair.
Faster Dispute Resolution
The introduction of the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman brings an independent body to tackle disputes. This aims to offer quick, fair outcomes—without dragging both sides through lengthy court proceedings.
New Compliance: The Property Portal and Database
A new Property Portal will serve as a one-stop shop for landlords to register their properties, check legal obligations, and access guidance. Local authorities get new tools to enforce standards. Registering will be compulsory; non-compliance risks fines and potential bans on letting.
Quick tip: Start preparing documentation and compliance records now. A tidy paper trail is your best defence, especially as local authorities ramp up enforcement.
How Should Devon Landlords Prepare?
At Your Home Let Devon, our Director Veronica Beaver and Lettings Director Rebecca Beaver are dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible for you. With decades of local, family-based expertise, we’re on hand to guide our landlords every step of the way.
Step 1: Review Tenancy Agreements
- Begin updating agreements, focusing on notice periods and permitted grounds for possession under the new Section 8 regime.
Step 2: Assess Property Standards
- Survey your portfolio to check if any homes will fall short of the new Decent Homes Standard. Prioritise upgrades sooner rather than later to avoid expensive, last-minute work (and gaps in lettings income).
Step 3: Prepare for Registering on the Portal
- Gather documents like gas safety, EICR, EPCs, and deposit compliance records. If you’re already working with a professional agency, check that all information is up-to-date and stored digitally.
Step 4: Adjust Financial Processes
- Change your rent collection policies to reflect the new rules. If you’ve typically requested extra months’ rent in advance, start explaining the changes to new and renewing tenants now.
Special Considerations for Devon’s Unique Market
Devon’s rental economy is a mixed bag—vibrant cities like Plymouth, student-heavy Exeter, and rural or coastal villages with seasonal demand. The restriction on advance rent could hit those letting to international tenants, self-employed people, or anyone with less-than-perfect credit. For some, this may mean tightening references or relying more heavily on guarantors.
Older homes in Devon will also face a steeper climb to meet the Decent Homes Standard. If you own period properties, now’s the time to book surveys and explore available grants or incentives for energy improvements.
(A Quick Note) Energy Rules: Still Waiting for Details
The Renters’ Rights Bill doesn’t spell out major new energy efficiency requirements. However, separate government updates to regulations around Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and energy standards are expected soon. Best practice is to:
- Keep all properties at EPC rating E or above (with improvements likely to be required in the near future)
- Watch for updates from local councils and government as we move through 2025
If you need tailored advice, let our team at Your Home Let Devon help—check our website’s advice page for resources and direct contact with Rebecca and Veronica.
Closing Thoughts: Why Local, Family-Run Agencies Matter More Than Ever
This flood of change is a challenge, but also an opportunity to put best practice into action. At Your Home Let Devon, we’re family-owned, local, and genuinely committed to building long-term relationships with landlords and tenants alike.
With Veronica Beaver’s decades of experience and Rebecca Beaver’s fresh, hands-on lettings expertise, our team is ready for whatever 2025 may bring. We’re here to ensure you:
- Stay compliant and stress-free
- Get practical updates as the law evolves
- Keep your Devon property earning and your tenants happy
If you’d like tailored support navigating these changes, please connect with us directly via our contact form or chat to us next time you’re in the area.
