Renters Rights Bill Update
The UK's new Renters' Rights Bill completed its final stages in Parliament on October 22, 2025, and is expected to receive Royal Assent and become law by the end of October. The reforms apply to England only and are set to take effect in stages, likely starting in early to mid-2026.
The bill is a major overhaul of the private rental sector and is intended to provide tenants with greater security while balancing the rights of landlords. It was introduced by the Labour government and builds on earlier proposals from the Conservatives' Renters (Reform) Bill.
Key changes for renters
End to 'no-fault' evictions: The bill will abolish Section 21 evictions, which allow landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason. Landlords will now only be able to repossess a property under specific, legally defined grounds, such as rent arrears or the need to sell or move into the property.
Move to periodic tenancies: The current system of fixed-term tenancies will end. All new and existing tenancies will be converted to periodic (rolling) agreements. This means tenants can give two months' notice to leave at any time.
Protection against excessive rent increases: Landlords can only increase rent once per year and must provide two months' notice. Any proposed increase must be in line with market rates and can be challenged by the tenant at a First-tier Tribunal.
Bans on discrimination and unfair practices:
It will be illegal for landlords and agents to impose blanket bans on tenants receiving benefits or with children.
The practice of "rental bidding" will be banned. Landlords must advertise a specific rent price and cannot ask for, encourage, or accept offers above that amount.
Landlords are restricted from asking for more than one month's rent in advance, reducing upfront costs for tenants.
Right to request a pet: Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant's written request to have a pet. While initially included, a provision allowing landlords to charge an additional pet damage deposit was removed.
Improved property standards: The bill will extend the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law to the private rented sector. This requires landlords to address serious hazards like damp and mould within strict timeframes.
Key changes for landlords
Strengthened grounds for possession: To balance the end of Section 21, the bill expands and reforms the Section 8 grounds for eviction.
Selling or moving in: Landlords can still sell or move into the property but must wait 12 months into a tenancy and provide four months' notice. They are also banned from re-letting the property for a certain period if these grounds are used.
Persistent rent arrears: The mandatory eviction threshold for rent arrears is increased from two months to three months.
Mandatory ombudsman membership: Landlords will be required to join a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman service. This offers fair, binding resolution for tenant complaints and can compel landlords to provide compensation.
Landlord database: A new Private Rented Sector Database will require all landlords to register themselves and their properties. The database will make it easier for tenants and local councils to access compliance information.
Increased enforcement: Local councils will receive strengthened powers to investigate and enforce against non-compliant landlords, with significantly higher fines for repeat offenses.
Implementation timeline and warnings
While the bill is set to become law soon, the implementation date is not yet confirmed. The government has promised to give landlords and tenants "sufficient notice" to prepare for the transition, which is likely to occur sometime in 2026.
Some industry figures and landlords have expressed concern that the reforms could lead to a rental housing supply crunch, with some landlords selling off properties and rents potentially rising further as a result. Tenant advocacy groups, while welcoming the end of no-fault evictions, argue that affordability issues driven by soaring rents remain a critical challenge.
