The Renters Rights Bill introduces a number of reforms designed to improve security, fairness, and accountability in the private rented sector.

What are the Key Reforms under the Bill?

• Abolishment of Fixed-Term Tenancies - All tenancies will become periodic, giving tenants greater security and flexibility.
• End of ‘No Fault’ Evictions – Section 21 Notices - Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants using Section 21 Notices. 
• Strengthened Section 8 Grounds - Landlords will be required to use Section 8 for eviction of tenants; the Bill proposes to strengthen grounds in Section 8. Please note the implementation of this change will be phased in once the court system is prepared. 
• Rent Reviews/Increases - 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. 
• Awaabs Law and the Decent Homes Standard - These standards will be extended to the private sector, requiring stricter obligations on property condition and stricter compliance regarding damp and mould. this is likely to be brought in 2026/2027 as secondary legislation will be required. 
• End to Bidding Wars and Upfront Payments - There will be a ban on bidding wars and upfront rental payments. 
• Ban on Discriminatory Practices and Pets in Rental Properties - Landlords will no longer be permitted to refuse tenancies based on receipt of benefits or family status. Additionally, landlords must consider tenant requests to keep pets and cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords will be permitted to require tenants hold insurance for pet related damage and an amendment to the Tenant Fees Act 2019 will enable this. 
• Introduction of a Landlord Database and a private sector Landlord Ombudsman - All landlords will be required to register with a central database through local authorities.  This registration will be mandatory or the property cannot be let and a landlord will not be able to apply for possession of the property unless registered. The Bill also proposes a new redress mechanism to support resolution of landlord-tenant disputes.  This is likely to be brought in 2026/2027 as secondary legislation will be required. 

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.