The Renters Rights Bill proposes the biggest shake up of the private rented sector in years - reforming tenancy agreements, increasing landlord responsibilities and changing possession procedures for landlords. The Bill is currently progressing through Parliament and is expected to become law by late 2025. 

What Are the Key Reforms Under The Bill?

• All tenancies will become periodic, giving tenants greater security and flexibility. Abolishment of Fixed-Term Tenancies summarises the changes, impact on landlords and implementation of these changes.
• Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants using Section 21 Notices. End of ‘No Fault’ Evictions – Section 21 Notices details the termination of Section 21 Notices which will be replaced by the extended application of Section 8  - Strengthened Section 8 Grounds. Please note the implementation of this change will be phased in once the court system is prepared.
• Rent Review Process: What’s changing under the Renters Rights Bill - Rent increases will be permitted once a yearly using a formal Section 13 Notice. Tenants can already challenge rent increases at the First Tier Tribunal, however under the Bill, the Tribunal cannot backdate decisions and may defer rent increases by up to two months in cases of hardship.  
• Standards regarding damp and mould will be raised with the introduction of Awaabs Law and the Decent Homes Standard requiring stricter obligations on property condition and stricter compliance. This is likely to be brought in 2026/2027 as secondary legislation will be required. 
• There will be a ban on bidding wars and upfront rental payments. 
• Landlords will no longer be permitted to refuse tenants based on  them receiving  benefits or family status. Additionally, landlords must consider tenant requests to keep pets and cannot unreasonably refuse. Pets in Rental Properties: Changes Under the Renters Rights Bill explores the proposed changes relating to pet requests in rental properties. 
• All landlords will be required to register with a central database through local authorities.  This registration will be mandatory and a property cannot be let nor can a landlord  apply for possession of the property unless registered. There will be a new Ombudsman to support resolution of landlord-tenant disputes.  This is likely to be brought in 2026/2027 as secondary legislation will be required.

Do These Changes Impact Welsh Landlords?

Some of the changes will impact Welsh landlords, more information can be found here.

When Are The Changes Coming Into Effect?

The Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament, with debates ongoing in the House of Lords.  The Bill is expected to receive royal assent and become law in late 2025, but implementation may be phased in, especially provisions tied to the preparedness of the court system and any secondary legislation requirements. 

Please view the all the Renters Rights Bill information below:

• Abolishment of Fixed-Term Tenancies
• End of S.21 ‘No Fault’ Evictions
• Strengthened Section 8 Grounds
• Rent Increases: What’s Changing Under The Renters Rights Bill
• Awaabs Law And The Decent Homes Standard Under The Renters Rights Bill
• Tenants Requests For Keeping A Pet In A Residential Tenancy
• Wales And The Renters Rights Bill: What Welsh Landlords Need To Know