The Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) is here. For landlords renting out property in Southville, Bedminster, and across the BS3 postcode, this is the most significant change to English lettings law in a generation. We understand this feels like a lot. But you don’t have to navigate it alone — we’ll walk you through it.
According to CJ Hole Market Insights, average asking rents in Southville are around £1,465 PCM for houses and £1,225 PCM for flats, with asking rents per square foot increasing by approximately 39.8% over the past five years. Around 19% of Southville households are in the private rented sector. That’s a significant community of landlords and tenants whose lives this legislation will directly shape.
Whether you own a single Victorian terrace on Raleigh Road or a portfolio of flats along Ashgrove Road, here’s what you need to know — and what you need to do.
What the Renters’ Rights Act actually changes
The RRA introduces sweeping reforms across the lettings landscape. The key changes affect how tenancies work, how and when landlords can regain possession, and what standards properties must meet.
Let’s break each one down clearly.
The end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
This is the headline change. Section 21 — the mechanism that allowed landlords to end a tenancy without giving a reason — is abolished under the RRA.
From now on, if you need to regain possession of your property on Highbury Road or anywhere else in BS3, you must use a valid ground under Section 8. These grounds include rent arrears, breach of tenancy terms, or a genuine intention to sell or move back in.
This doesn’t mean you lose control of your property. It means the process must be properly evidenced and documented. We help landlords build that paper trail from day one.
The move to periodic tenancies
Most assured tenancies will become periodic under the new system introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act, replacing the use of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies for new agreements.
Tenants can end their tenancy with two months’ notice. Landlords must use the relevant Section 8 grounds and follow the statutory process if they need to regain possession.
At CJ Hole Southville, we’ve always taken referencing seriously. That approach matters even more now.
The new Decent Homes Standard
For the first time, the Decent Homes Standard — previously applied only to social housing — will extend to the private rented sector. Your property must be free from serious hazards, in a reasonable state of repair, and have reasonably modern facilities.
For landlords with older stock — and Southville has plenty of characterful Victorian and Edwardian properties — this is worth reviewing carefully. A proactive property inspection now is far better than a compliance notice later.
We recommend booking a property health check before the relevant provisions come into force.
The Private Rented Sector Database
The RRA introduces a new national Private Rented Sector (PRS) database. Landlords should prepare to register themselves and their properties once the scheme becomes operational and registration requirements come into force.
Think of it as a landlord register. Failure to comply with future registration requirements may result in restrictions or penalties once the scheme is operational.
Registration details and timelines are still being confirmed by the government. We’re monitoring this closely and will keep our landlords informed as guidance is published.
What this means for Southville landlords specifically
Southville is a genuinely competitive rental market. The combination of strong demand, proximity to Bristol city centre, excellent independent schools, and the community feel along North Street makes BS3 one of Bristol’s most sought-after postcodes for renters.
That demand won’t disappear. But landlords who aren’t compliant risk falling behind changing legal requirements, making it more important than ever to stay informed and prepared.
Single-property landlords
If you own one property — perhaps a flat near Bedminster Parade or a house in the Greville Smyth Park area — the RRA still applies to you in full. You should understand your new legal responsibilities, prepare for the future PRS database requirements, and review your property’s condition against the forthcoming standards.
We work with single-property landlords every day. We make compliance straightforward.
Portfolio landlords and investors
If you manage multiple properties across BS3 and beyond, your administrative responsibilities multiply with each unit. Every tenancy agreement, every possession case, and every future registration requirement will need to be managed correctly.
CJ Hole Southville supports portfolio landlords by helping them understand and manage their day-to-day lettings responsibilities, while landlords remain ultimately responsible for meeting their legal obligations. We know this market, and we know what’s coming.
Practical steps to take right now
You don’t need to wait for every provision to come into force. Here’s what you can do today.
Review your current tenancy agreements and check they reflect up-to-date legal requirements.
Review your property’s condition against your current legal repair and safety obligations, and keep up to date with future guidance on the Decent Homes Standard as it is introduced.
Make sure your deposit is protected and your prescribed information is served correctly.
Build a clear record of rent payments, communications, and any maintenance issues.
Speak to a letting agent who understands the RRA inside out.
That last step is the most important one.
How CJ Hole Southville can help
We’ve been part of the South West property community since CJ Hole was founded in Clifton in 1867. That’s over 150 years of helping landlords protect their investments through every legislative change the market has seen.
The Renters’ Rights Act is significant. But it’s manageable — with the right guidance.
CJ Hole Southville already held a live landlord event on the RRA because we believe informed landlords are protected landlords. We’ll continue to provide that support as the legislation rolls out.
Protect your rental income in BS3
Southville’s rental market is strong. Rents are high, demand is consistent, and BS3 remains one of Bristol’s most attractive postcodes for quality tenants. The RRA doesn’t change that. But it does change what you must do to keep letting legally and profitably.
Don’t wait until a compliance issue forces your hand.
Get in touch with us at CJ Hole Southville today—we’re here to help you understand exactly what the Renters’ Rights Act means for your property and your portfolio. Visit southville.cjhole.co.uk to book a free landlord consultation with our local team.
And if you’re wondering what your rental property is worth in today’s market, book a valuation with us. We’ll give you an honest, data-led assessment of your property’s rental value — no pressure, just straight advice from people who know Southville.
