Renters’ Rights Act Explained — What Cornwall’s Landlords & Tenants Need to Know
A Sowena Lettings Guide
The Renters’ Rights Act is reshaping private renting across England — and landlords and tenants in Cornwall will feel the impact. Whether you own one rental property or you rent your home, understanding the new rules now will protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
At Sowena Lettings, we’ve been landlords, tenants, and agents for over 30 years. We manage homes across Mid Cornwall “as if they were our own,” meaning we understand both the legal detail and the real-world impact.
This guide explains the Act clearly and practically so you can stay informed, confident, and compliant.
What’s Changing — and Why It Matters
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces the most significant shake-up of renting in over 30 years:
- Abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions
- All tenancies transition to periodic (rolling)
- Stricter rules for rent increases
- Mandatory landlord registration (PRS Database)
- New Landlord Ombudsman for complaints and dispute resolution
- Legal standards for housing quality (Decent Homes Standard)
- Awaab’s Law timeframes for serious hazards
- Ban on discrimination (e.g., “No DSS/No Children”)
- Ban on rental bidding and large rent-in-advance demands
These changes raise expectations for landlords and provide stronger protections for tenants.
Key Actions for Landlords & Tenants
For Landlords
- Ensure all tenancies are legal and fully documented
Serve EPC, How to Rent, Gas Safety, EICR and prescribe information correctly. Protect deposits within 30 days. Keep clear digital records. (Missing or late documents will limit your ability to regain possession.) - Update tenancy agreements
Remove outdated clauses, rent-review wording, discriminatory conditions, or blanket pet bans. - Prepare for Section 21 abolition
Review tenant performance and arrears processes. - Follow the new rent-increase rules
One increase per year via Section 13 only, two months’ notice. - Audit property condition
Address damp/mould risks, repair issues quickly, and prepare for Decent Homes compliance. - Prepare for national registration
Landlords must join the PRS Database and upload compliance evidence. - Update advertising practices
You must now publish an asking rent and cannot solicit higher bids.No discrimination — all applicants must be assessed fairly.
For Tenants
- Know your new right to stability
All tenancies become rolling periodic under the new system. - Understand rights around pets
Landlords must consider requests reasonably. - Challenge unreasonable rent increases
You can appeal rent rises above the market rate. - Ensure you’ve received required documents
Safety certificates, How to Rent, and written terms must be provided. - Report hazards early and clearly
Especially issues relating to damp, mould or structural hazards.
Timeline — What to Expect
The Government will announce a full implementation timeline separately.
Below is an anticipated outline, landlords should stay proactive and prepared for adjustments:
| Phase | What Happens | Impact in Cornwall |
| Preparation | Landlords expected to align practices | Update paperwork and audit properties |
| Implementation Date | Section 21 abolished; tenancies become periodic | New possession rules begin |
| Following Phase | PRS Database + Ombudsman | Registration becomes mandatory |
| Ongoing | Decent Homes Standard & Awaab’s Law enforcement | Higher standards and quicker repair expectations |
Why Getting It Right Matters
For landlords:
- Civil penalties up to £40,000
- Rent Repayment Orders up to 24 months’ rent
- Loss of the right to regain possession if documentation is non-compliant
- Public visibility via the PRS Database
- Proactive enforcement by Cornwall Council
For tenants:
- Clearer rights
- Fairer treatment
- Safe, well-maintained homes
- Free access to dispute resolution
How Sowena Lettings Helps
We support landlords and tenants with:
- Tenancy documentation checks
- Deposit protection reviews
- Compliance audits
- Rent-increase guidance
- Pre-database preparation
- Property inspections and maintenance
- Clear updates as the reforms roll out
We keep things practical, simple and honest — without overpromising.
Book a Free 15-Minute Call
If you want clarity on how the Renters’ Rights Act affects your property or tenancy, you can book a free 15-minute call with a member of our team.
Visit www.sowena-lets.co.uk and book directly via here.
We’ll help you understand:
- Whether your tenancy is compliant
- Any missing or incorrect documentation
- What to update now
- How the new rent and possession rules impact you
The Renters’ Rights Act is the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector in decades.
Landlords who prepare early will protect their investments.
Tenants who understand their rights will enjoy safer, fairer housing.
At Sowena Lettings, we’re here to help Cornwall adapt — calmly, clearly, and professionally.
📞 01872 491509
📧 office@sowena-lets.co.uk
🌐 www.sowena-lets.co.uk
