Renters Reform Bill – What You Need to Know as an Agent

Renters Reform Bill Edges Closer — Here’s What Landlords Need to Know

With the Renters Reform Bill now making steady progress through the House of Lords, it’s looking increasingly likely that we’ll see it passed into law by early autumn. But while the headlines may suggest sweeping changes on the horizon, not everything will happen overnight.

According to Propertymark, key changes, such as updates to tenancy agreements and possession rules may come into effect later this year. However, more complex measures, including the national landlord and agent database and the new Decent Homes Standard, are now expected to be phased in from 2026 onwards.

At Rolfe East, we’re committed to keeping our landlords well-informed and one step ahead. Here’s what we recommend doing now.

1. Speak to Your Lettings Expert

Some of the changes ahead may add pressure to landlords, especially those with HMOs or student lets. You may see:

Longer void periods
Potential delays in gaining possession through the courts
Limits on advance rent collection
New fees for joining the landlord database and Ombudsman scheme

Penalties for non-compliance will also be more severe — with civil fines of up to £7,000 for first offences, and up to £40,000 for more serious or repeat breaches. In the most serious cases, landlords could even face criminal prosecution.

That’s why we strongly advise all landlords to get ahead now by talking to our team about what these changes could mean for your properties.

2) Review the Condition of Your Properties

Although the exact rules around the Decent Homes Standard for private rentals haven’t been finalised, we already have a good idea of what’s likely to be included — such as:

Reasonable state of repair
Adequate heating and insulation
Kitchens less than 20 years old, and bathrooms under 30
No significant risks, such as mould, structural issues or carbon monoxide exposure

If you’re unsure whether your property meets these standards, we can help you review it and suggest practical upgrades where needed.

3) Get Prepared with the Right Support

Our team is already training for the coming changes, and we’ll continue to update our processes to make sure our landlords are fully covered from tenancy agreements and compliance checks to property standards and court support.

At Rolfe East, we believe in keeping things simple, transparent, and personal. If you’re a landlord with questions or concerns, we’re here to talk through it all, no jargon, just honest advice and a plan that works for you.

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