RRB-Proofing Your Tenancy Agreements: What We’re Doing Right Now (That Your Agent Probably Isn’t)

If you’re a landlord in Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent or anywhere in Cheshire, you’ve probably heard murmurs (or full-blown panic) about the Renters Reform Bill (RRB).

It’s being called the biggest shake-up to the private rental sector in a generation — and it’s coming whether your letting agent is ready or not.

At NUVO Lettings, we’re not waiting around. We manage our own investment portfolio as well as our clients’, so we’ve already started RRB-proofing our tenancy agreements and systems.

Here’s what we’re doing now to stay one step ahead — and what you need to check your agent is doing too.

Ditching Periodic Assumptions – Fixed-Term Isn’t Safe Anymore

Under the RRB, all tenancies will become periodic by default. That means no more guaranteed 6- or 12-month contracts — tenants can leave with two months’ notice at any point.

We’re preparing our landlords by reviewing renewal strategies, adjusting marketing timelines, and planning for more frequent turnover in business models.

If your agent’s still pushing fixed-term ASTs without a transition plan, they’re not future-ready.

Reviewing All Notice Procedures — Especially Section 21

Section 21 (“no fault” eviction) is on the chopping block. Once that goes, you’ll need a rock-solid Section 8 case to regain possession — which means your paperwork needs to be perfect.

We’re already cleaning up tenancy files, double-checking deposit protection and prescribed information, and preparing more robust clauses for things like rent arrears, anti-social behaviour and breaches of house rules.

Because when Section 21 goes, your paperwork becomes your only safety net.

Tightening Up House Rules (Especially for HMOs)

If you own HMOs in Crewe or Stoke, this part’s crucial.

With more legal weight shifting to tenants, house rules need to be clear, signed, and enforceable — covering things like quiet hours, guests, use of communal areas and cleanliness expectations.

We issue a standalone HMO House Rules Agreement alongside every tenancy — and it’s already been updated to reflect the coming RRB changes.

Adjusting Tenant Screening Criteria

The RRB will likely make it harder to remove problem tenants, so the best defence is prevention. That means screening more carefully at the start.

We’ve tightened our criteria, including deeper affordability checks, more rigorous employment and reference checks, and reviewing any past issues in shared accommodation.

Ask your agent how their referencing process has changed in light of the RRB. If it hasn’t — it’s time to give us a ring.

Preparing Landlords for More Proactive Management

The Renters Reform Bill will favour tenants more than ever before. That doesn’t mean landlords are powerless — but it does mean you need stronger systems and better service.

We’re rolling out faster maintenance reporting and response systems, cleaner audit trails, and improved communication between landlords, tenants and trades.

It’s not about surviving the RRB — it’s about staying profitable through it.

Final Thoughts: This Isn’t the Time to “Wait and See”

Some letting agents are still hoping the RRB will be delayed or watered down.

We’re not.

We’ve built our model to adapt early and keep landlords protected, profitable and informed — because we’re landlords too.

Need a Free Tenancy Review?

📞 Call us for a quick tenancy health check

📧 Or email us your current tenancy and we’ll tell you if it’s future-proof