Landlords and tenants with children

Family rentals

The Renters’ Rights Bill will mean changes for landlords who might have been resistant to the idea of having children in their rental properties, in the same way that those who previously refused pets must now change their stance.

The new legislation around tenants with children falls under the prohibiting rental discrimination section of the new bill. It means that everyone in the private rented sector will have the right to a safe and decent home and can’t be discriminated against because they have children or receive benefits. However, meeting the needs of tenants with children requires additional adjustments beyond just a change of heart.

Who is the space suitable for?

You will need to understand who your space is suitable for. The government’s own guidance on the bill suggests, for example, that while a one-bedroom flat might be perfect for a mother with a baby, a parent with two teenage children would breach occupancy rules and constitute overcrowding. In such cases you would be able to stipulate who your property was suitable for.

Is your space child-friendly?

As well as having enough space for their children tenants with younger offspring, such as babies or toddlers, will want child-friendly spaces. Check the safety of bannisters, restrict the opening of upstairs windows and add pads to protect walls from stairgates. Use safety glass on doors and avoid glass-based furniture, such as glass-topped dining or coffee tables. Ensure blinds are compliant and safe to prevent strangulation hazards too.

Is there space for them to play?

Safe space to play will be essential for those with children – whether it’s inside or out. If you have the space then dressing a room as a playroom will appeal hugely to parents. Similarly, a child-friendly garden where parents can supervise play in the paddling pool while enjoying an iced tea may also appeal. Ensure it’s enclosed to prevent toddler escape artists from showing off their skills.

Provide easy-to-maintain fixtures and fittings

Fixtures and fittings will be essential for the easy upkeep of your rental property when there are children about. Durable, washable paint on the walls will make clearing up after them far easier and be appreciated by parents. Similarly, dark-coloured carpets or easy-to-clean flooring will more suitable than a pale cream carpet. Fittings such as handles and locks should also be strong and long-lasting with child locks fitted where applicable.

Is there plenty of storage space?

Children come with ‘stuff’ and lots of it. Parents with children will appreciate easy storage solutions that allow them to control the chaos while also still allowing easy accessibility to toys and clothes, for example.

Is your property safe, warm and free from hazards?

Two additional legislative changes that will impact family renters include Awaabs Law, under which any hazards in a home such as damp and mould must be resolved quickly, and the Decent Homes Standard for which landlords will have to ensure their private rented property meets basic standards of warmth and comfort.

Consider parking

Family-friendly parking is also useful. Parents of very young children will appreciate somewhere extra safe – ideally off-road – to load their little ones into car seats rather than risking them running into the road.

Longer-staying tenants

Once the Renters’ Rights Bill comes into force ensuring your property is attractive to tenants with children is a must. However, it’s also good business sense. While some families might be renting to save for a house deposit many family renters will choose to stay longer than tenants without children since they become more rooted in their communities and more settled in their homes.

Callaways Estate Agents is here to support landlords along the South Coast, including Falmer, Worthing, and Brighton & Hove. Contact us today to learn how we can help you adapt to new regulations and safeguard your investment. Reach out now for expert advice!