![\"Renters\u2019](\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com.my\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/renters-rights-act-2025.webp\")
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The Renters\u2019 Rights Act 2025 is reshaping the PRS in England, with core reforms expected to take effect from 1 May 2026. For Malaysian landlords managing UK properties remotely, this is an opportunity to rethink how you prepare, present, and maintain your rental property with help from professional furnishing services<\/a> to protect income and retain tenants.<\/p>\n The Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law are planned to be extended in later phases, strengthening expectations for investigating and fixing hazards like damp and mould (details and timings will be set out during implementation). <\/p>\n The Act abolishes Section 21 \u2018no-fault\u2019 evictions, requiring landlords to rely on Section 8 grounds for possession with a valid legal reason. When the Act comes into force, fixed-term tenancies will convert to open-ended assured periodic tenancies, allowing tenants to give two months\u2019 notice.<\/p>\n Rent increases are limited to once per year and rent bidding is banned. Landlords must consider pet requests and cannot unreasonably refuse a request. Finally, in the later phase of the reform, a PRS database and mandatory landlord Ombudsman scheme will be introduced to improve oversight of rental standards.<\/p>\n The core purpose of the Act is to improve property standards and security. Poor conditions like rundown flooring, damp spots, and outdated fixtures will increase your property\u2019s risk of getting complaints or immediate tenant notice. Well-presented and thoughtful property furnishing keeps spaces fresh and naturally attracts reliable, long-term tenants, giving them a reason to extend their stay. <\/p>\n Purposeful and targeted upgrades, like replacing old flooring, damp-proofing areas, improving lighting, and refreshing d\u00e9cor, support good property management and align with the government\u2019s broader direction to improve PRS. While EPC\/MEES sit separate from the Renters\u2019 Rights Act, coordinating refurbishment works with improved insulation, energy efficiency, and layout can help create more comfortable and resilient homes over the long term.<\/p>\n Creating comfortable, move-in-ready spaces that are well maintained makes a tenant feel settled and willing to stay longer. Smart layouts with ample storage solutions along with durable furnishings boost your property\u2019s appeal and value where tenants want to spend their time. <\/p>\n Opting for easy-clean fabrics, hard flooring in high-traffic areas and easy-to-wipe paint finishes helps make a space pet-friendly. Apart from that, pick high-quality sofas and easy-to-clean rugs\u2014simple and tactful solutions reduce wear and tear, minimise repairs, and ease the management of a pet-safe home. <\/p>\n Refurbishing older or worn-out units, providing professionally specified furniture packs and window dressings designed for rental use, and implementing EPC upgrades in England help future-proof properties against tightening energy-efficiency standards. Together, these create a property that is up to standard, comfortable, and competitive.<\/p>\n Our furnishing partner, InStyle Direct, handles furnishing, refurbishment and property upgrades for you, while Benhams supports your tenant sourcing, regular maintenance, compliance checks and everything in between, ensuring your property in England meets new standards and remains profitable. <\/p>\n While furnishing itself isn’t a legal requirement under the Act, quality furnishings safeguard investment. Focus on worn or damaged items first, and ensure what you provide is safe, clean, and fit for purpose to reduce complaints and turnover.<\/p>\n EPC and MEES requirements sit outside the Renters\u2019 Rights Act. However, as energy efficiency standards are expected to tighten over time, aligning refurbishment works with energy efficiency improvements can make practical and financial sense.<\/p>\n Yes, pet requests must be considered and cannot be unreasonably refused. <\/p>\n While this is not the only factor, well-taken-care-of properties with quality furnishings improve everyday comfort and raise fewer disputes, repeated repair requests, or formal complaints.<\/p>\n Important: This article summarises practical landlord actions arising from the Renters\u2019 Rights Act 2025. For full legal details and how the rules will be rolled out, read our legal guide<\/a> for a better understanding.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Renters\u2019 Rights Act 2025 is reshaping the PRS in England, with core reforms expected to take effect from 1 May 2026. For Malaysian landlords managing UK properties remotely, this is an opportunity to rethink how you prepare, present, and maintain your rental property with help from professional furnishing services to protect income and retain … <\/p>\nWhat parts of the Renters\u2019 Rights Act actually affect landlords day-to-day?<\/h2>\n
Why good presentation and condition matter more under the new rules<\/h2>\n
How refurbishing and furnishing help landlords stay compliant<\/h2>\n
With tenants able to leave easily, how do you make them stay?<\/h2>\n
How to prepare for more pet requests<\/h2>\n
What services actually help with compliance and better returns?<\/h2>\n
How we support landlords in this journey<\/h2>\n
Next steps checklist for landlords:<\/h2>\n
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FAQs<\/h2>\n
Do I have to replace all my furniture to comply?<\/h3>\n
How does EPC work relate to the Act?<\/h3>\n
Are pets still allowed?<\/h3>\n
Will better furnishing really reduce complaints \/ Ombudsman risk?<\/h3>\n