Are you a landlord in the UK? Then you’ll likely be aware of the Renters’ Rights Bill. In this blog, we’re going to be answering some questions about the bill and letting you know how it affects landlords.
What is the Renters’ Rights Bill?
The new Renters’ Rights Bill was first introduced in Parliament in 2024 and it had its second reading in February 2025. Its aim is to provide more security and stability to tenants in England. As part of this, there are many changes that need to be considered by landlords and their letting agents.
When do the new changes come into force?
There is no exact date as to when we can expect these changes, but they are likely to be in force by the end of 2025.
What are the new changes?
Abolish section 21 evictions
What are these: Section 21 evictions allow landlords to end tenancies without needing to provide a reason.
Why the rules are changing: The government wants to give tenants more security and stability when renting.
What does it mean for landlords: If you’re wondering, can a landlord regain possession of a property? The answer is still yes, but landlords will have to use a section 8 to evict tenants. A section 8 can only be used when the landlord believes the tenant may have breached their tenancy agreement. Tenants do have the right to challenge this process.
As part of the new rules, the government is also revising its mandatory and discretionary grounds for eviction, which will help landlords. This means that if a tenant ends up in rent arrears, you can still take action.
How it affects others: These changes affect letting agents as it increases the amount of admin involved when a tenancy ends. Tenants may also be affected by large fees if the court rules against them.
Periodic tenancies for private renters
What are these: Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies are changing to periodic tenancies, which means they operate on a rolling basis. There will be no set minimum tenancy lengths and this will apply to new and existing tenancies.
Why the rules are changing: The new rules mean that tenants have more freedom and can leave a property when they need to without having to wait for the fixed term tenancy to end. All tenants will be required to give two months notice to end the tenancy agreement.
What does it mean for landlords: It highlights the importance of working with a high-quality letting agent who can deal with admin tasks efficiently. This means you’re more likely to find quality tenants and reduce the risks of the property being empty.
Changes to rental increases
What are these: With the move to periodic tenancies, there will be no more rent review clauses. Any rent increase must be completed under section 13. This change means that landlords are legally required to provide two months’ notice of rent changes, rather than one.
Why the rules are changing: The proposed new rent changes are to ensure tenants are paying fees in line with the market.
What does it mean for landlords: It means that landlords must ensure a streamlined process for increasing rental costs. Under the new system, landlords will only have one opportunity to raise rents throughout the year. This means it’s crucial that landlords are organised and take time to understand the market.
Tenants also have more ability to dispute potential rent increases, so you must ensure that all increases are completed correctly.
Other changes include the following
- More potential for pets in rental properties
- New Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman
- Apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector
- Apply ‘Awaab’s Law’ to the sector
- Make it illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children.
- End the practice of rental bidding by prohibiting landlords and agents from asking for or accepting offers above the advertised rent.
Should I invest in a letting agency?
Having a letting agency on hand is a great idea. We have the knowledge and expertise to understand all of these changes and ensure that all of your tenancy agreements reflect them promptly.
We can save you time and money, while ensuring that your tenants are happy and your rental property meets all necessary requirements.
Are you looking for a dedicated letting agency to take care of your property? Contact us today, we’ll be more than happy to discuss our landlord packages with you.
