For years, the ‘AST trap’ has been one of the most persistent and technical challenges in English property law. It created unexpected risks for leaseholders and lenders often slowing transactions, increasing costs, and in some cases exposing homeowners to the possibility of losing their property over small ground rent arrears.
With the Renters’ Rights Act
Please note this article discusses draft legislation currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny. The provisions described are subject to change following consultation and parliamentary review. This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice.
The Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill represents the government’s most ambitious attempt to modernise property
BACKGROUND
The far-reaching impact of the Renters’ Rights Act, which received royal assent on 27 October 2025, on England’s private rental market has already been widely discussed. Arguably, the most disruptive changes will be:
The abolition of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies;
The banning of no-fault evictions; and
The prohibition on requiring rent to be paid
Landlord seeks occupation for itself or specified family members
Landlord intends to sell or grant a long lease for more than 21 years or to a rent-to-buy tenant;and in both cases the tenancy has been running for at least 1 year.
If relying on Grounds 1 or 1A the landlord must not within the restricted
The Renters’ Rights Act represents the most significant overhaul of the private rental sector in decades. Introduced by the current Labour government, it seeks to “reset the balance” between landlords and tenants by strengthening protections, raising housing standards, and reshaping how possession and rent increases are managed.
Following Claire’s earlier blog on the key reforms
The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) introduces significant responsibilities for those involved in the management of higher-risk buildings. Directors and other officers (e.g. managers, company secretaries) may face personal criminal liability if they fail to meet these obligations, particularly when signing safety-related documents such as Landlord’s Certificates or Building Assessment Certificates.
We break down
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