Private landlords in Knowsley are being reminded of their responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, after the council formally adopted new enforcement policies.
The Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force on Thursday, 1 May, introduced major changes to private renting in England. The council has now updated its Housing Enforcement Policy and Housing Civil Penalties Policy to reflect the new legal framework.
The most significant change brought about by the Renter’s Rights Act is that landlords can no longer use Section 21 “no-fault” eviction notices.
If a landlord needs to ask a tenant to leave, they must have a valid legal reason and follow the correct process.
What landlords need to know
Under the new rules, private landlords in Knowsley must:
- Have a valid legal reason if they wish to ask tenants to leave.
- Only use the process described in Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988 to increase rent, and no more than once a year.
- Publish a proposed rent when advertising a property and not invite or accept offers above that price.
- Respond to a tenant’s written request to keep a pet within 28 days, and not refuse without a good reason.
- Not discriminate against prospective tenants because they receive benefits or have children.
- Register on the new national Private Rented Sector Database when it launches later this year.
Any landlord who has not already done so must give their existing tenants a Government information sheet about the changes. The original deadline for this was Sunday, 31 May.
How the council will enforce the new rules
Knowsley Council now has a legal duty to take enforcement action where landlords are found to be breaking the rules. This is a change from the previous approach, where officers had more discretion to resolve issues informally in the first instance.
The council can now issue civil penalties of up to £7,000 for first or minor breaches, and up to £40,000 for serious or repeated offences. This includes breaches such as attempting an illegal eviction, attempting to let a property for a fixed term, inviting or encouraging rental bidding wars, or providing false information.
The council has also been given new powers to investigate complaints, including the ability to require information from landlords, letting agents and third parties.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “For too long, private tenants have been at the mercy of unexpected or unreasonable rent increases, or faced uncertainty knowing that their landlord could, at any time, ask them to leave through no fault of their own.
“The Renters Rights Act has brought in a whole set of changes which make things fairer and more secure for anyone who is privately renting their home.
“These are all measures which good landlords will have no problem adhering to, but if rogue landlords choose to ignore their obligations under the law, then the council can and will take enforcement action.”
What this means for tenants
These changes are designed to make private renting fairer and more secure for tenants across Knowsley.
If you rent your home from a private landlord, the key things you should know are:
- Your landlord cannot ask you to leave without a valid reason.
- Your tenancy is now a rolling monthly agreement, no matter what contract you previously had in place.
- You are protected from unfair or frequent rent increases.
- It is against the law for a landlord to refuse to let to you because you receive benefits or have children.
- You have the right to request to keep a pet.
If you believe your landlord is not meeting their obligations, you can report this to the council. Knowsley Council now has a duty to investigate and take action where breaches are found.
Where to find out more
More information on the Renters’ Rights Act, and what to do if you need guidance or wish to make a complaint about a landlord can be found on the council’s website.
A guide for tenants is available on the Government website.
A guide for landlords is available on the Government website.