With the UK’s Renters’ Rights Bill making headlines, many landlords are asking a simple but urgent question: what happens if my tenant stops paying?
A recent investor raised this exact concern — worried that the new rules could leave landlords with limited recourse while still carrying the financial burden.
Here’s what the headlines are getting wrong and how to safeguard your rental income in this new landscape.
A UK-based investor recently reached out with a pressing concern: with the new Renters’ Rights Bill, could landlords be left unable to remove tenants who stop paying rent and expected to absorb the financial strain?
“Dear CSI,
I’ll be honest—I haven’t been sleeping well. Ever since the Renters’ Rights Bill started making the rounds, I’ve been running worst-case scenarios in my head.
My tenant has already fallen behind on rent, and now I’m hearing that soon it’ll be nearly impossible to remove tenants—even if they don’t pay.
Am I supposed to just sit back and keep paying my mortgage while someone lives on my property for free?
I’m frustrated, and frankly, a bit panicked. Please tell me I’m missing something.”
— James.
Dear James,
You’re not the only one doing 2am “what-if” calculations.
And no—you’re not stuck.
Headlines have a way of turning concern into outright panic. But while the Renters’ Rights Act does change the rules, it doesn’t strip landlords of their rights. It simply means the game needs to be played a little differently.
What is Actually Changing?
Here’s the reality behind the noise:
- The End of “No-Fault” Evictions: You can no longer use “no-fault” notices to ask a tenant to leave without a reason. All tenancies are now rolling, meaning you need a specific ground—like rent arrears—to regain possession.
- Court Delays: Because every eviction now requires a proven reason, the Act has changed eviction rules in a way that makes court delays a certainty.
- Rent Disputes: Tenants now have more power to appeal rent increases.
Where CSI Steps In
If the process takes longer, the strategy needs to change.
This is where Rent Protection & Legal Expenses Cover becomes less of a “nice-to-have” and more of a safety net.
To put the cost in perspective, for a property with a £2,000/month rental income, typical premiums (including tax) are approximately £200–£500 per year.
When you consider that one month of missed rent could cost you thousands, that’s a small price for this level of protection:
- Rent Paid Until You Get Your Keys: While the courts are delayed, the policy covers 100% of the rent owed until you achieve vacant possession, rather than cutting off after a few months.
- £100,000 in Legal Expenses: The policy covers the costs of legal experts to help you regain possession, including evicting squatters or tenants who refuse to vacate.
- Zero Excess: If you submit your claim within 45 days of the first missed payment, there is no excess to pay.
- Section 13 Dispute Protection: If a tenant appeals a rent increase, the policy covers the difference between the old and new rent for up to six months while you wait for a decision.
- Property Damage Cover: You receive up to £1,000 on top of the deposit toward damage costs and dilapidations.
- Void Period Support: To help you find a new tenant, you can receive 90% of the rent for up to six weeks after the property is vacant.
The Turning Point
For James, the situation didn’t magically disappear overnight but the panic did.
Because once the numbers made sense again and the risk was managed, he could stop reacting to headlines and start making decisions with clarity.
The Bottom Line
The landscape may be shifting, but your investment doesn’t have to feel uncertain.
With the right structure in place, you’re not just holding property—you’re protecting income, stability, and peace of mind.
Our Purpose
Making a Difference By… Helping people build reliable passive income portfolios, so they can enjoy peace of mind and focus on what truly matters in life.
If you know a friend who’s feeling panicked or frustrated reading the headlines, share this with them—sometimes a little clarity is all it takes to bring back peace of mind.
Warmly,
CSI PROP