The rental market is evolving, and for landlords and tenants in Hertford, the language around lettings is changing with it. As the latest phase of the Renters’ Rights reforms begins to take shape, understanding the terminology is key to feeling confident in the current market.
The good news is that once explained in plain English, these terms are far more straightforward than they sound. This guide breaks down the most important rental terms so both landlords and tenants in Hertford can navigate the changes with ease.
Periodic Tenancy (Rolling Tenancy)
One of the biggest shifts is towards periodic tenancies, also known as rolling tenancies.
Rather than a fixed-term agreement, these continue on a month-to-month basis. For tenants, this offers more flexibility. For landlords, it means managing tenancies more actively rather than relying on set renewal dates.
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
The Assured Shorthold Tenancy has long been the standard tenancy type in England.
Under the reforms, the market is gradually moving away from fixed-term ASTs towards more flexible arrangements. While the term is still widely used, its role is evolving.
Section 21 Notice
A Section 21 notice has traditionally allowed landlords to regain possession of a property without giving a specific reason.
The reforms are moving towards removing this route, meaning landlords will instead rely on clearly defined legal grounds when seeking possession.
Section 8 Notice
A Section 8 notice is used when a landlord needs to regain possession for a specific reason, such as rent arrears or a breach of the tenancy agreement.
This is expected to become the main route for possession, with clearer and more structured rules in place.
Grounds for Possession
These are the legal reasons a landlord can use to end a tenancy.
Examples include:
- Selling the property
- Moving into the property themselves or allowing a family member to do so
- Rent arrears or breaches of the agreement
The reforms aim to make these grounds clearer and more consistent for both parties.
Rent Increase (Section 13 Notice)
With more tenancies becoming periodic, rent increases follow a formal process.
A Section 13 notice is used to propose a rent increase, giving tenants notice and the opportunity to respond. This helps ensure transparency and fairness.
Decent Homes Standard
The Decent Homes Standard sets out the minimum condition a rental property should meet, ensuring it is safe, warm, and in a good state of repair.
Expectations in this area are increasing, so landlords should ensure their properties meet modern standards.
Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
A new ombudsman scheme is being introduced to help resolve disputes between landlords and tenants without the need for court action.
This provides an independent route for complaints and supports improved standards across the sector.
Property Portal (Landlord Register)
The proposed property portal will act as a national register where landlords list their properties and demonstrate compliance.
This is designed to improve transparency and give tenants greater confidence in the rental process.
Right to Request a Pet
Under the reforms, tenants can request permission to keep a pet.
Landlords will need to consider these requests reasonably, creating a more balanced approach between tenant needs and property management.
What this means for Hertford landlords and tenants
For those living and letting in Hertford, the key takeaway is that the rental market is becoming more structured, transparent, and balanced.
For landlords, this means:
- Keeping up to date with legal responsibilities
- Managing tenancies more proactively
- Communicating clearly with tenants
For tenants, it means:
- Greater flexibility in tenancy arrangements
- Clearer processes and expectations
- Improved standards across rental properties
Final thoughts
While the terminology may seem unfamiliar at first, these changes are designed to make renting simpler and fairer for everyone involved.
Understanding the language behind the reforms is the first step towards navigating the market with confidence.
Need help navigating the changes in Hertford?
Whether you are a landlord or tenant in Hertford, having the right guidance can make all the difference.
At Hunters Stanstead Abbotts, we help clients across the local area understand what these changes mean in practice and how they affect their property or tenancy.
Get in touch with our team today for clear, practical advice.
Get in touch with our local team today for clear, practical advice tailored to you.
Your local property experts; our advice is free, but our knowledge is priceless.
"I have been in and around the Hertfordshire property market for over 25 years, starting as an estate agent in the county town of Hertford and now running a successful lettings and property management company based in Stanstead Abbotts. I have let and managed property all over Hertfordshire from the area that I currently work to Wheathampstead where I owned and managed a lettings & estate agents to Watford and surrounding areas where my company acted as a marketing agent for one of the largest property management companies in the country.”
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