Renters’ Rights Bill: What It Means for Landlords

The Government’s Renters’ Rights Bill has now passed through the Commons, with ministers rejecting proposed amendments from the Lords that would have softened some of its impact on landlords. The legislation is expected to receive Royal Assent shortly, bringing the most significant reform of the private rented sector in decades.

Key Changes Landlords Need to Know

The Bill includes wide-reaching reforms that will directly affect landlords:

• End of Section 21 – ‘no fault’ evictions will be abolished, meaning landlords must rely on strengthened Section 8 possession grounds instead
• Decent Homes Standard – rental properties must meet new minimum standards, similar to those already required in social housing
• Restrictions on Rent Increases – limits on how and when rents can be raised, alongside an end to rental bidding wars
• New Ombudsman Scheme – all landlords will need to join, giving tenants access to independent dispute resolution
• Public Database of Properties – creating more transparency and oversight to landlords and properties across the rental sector
• Abolition of Assured Shorthold Tenancies – replaced by roll-on monthly tenancies, with tenants giving just two months’ notice. Landlords must serve notice using a Section 8 notice using the relevant Ground

Concerns for Landlords

Many amendments aimed at giving landlords greater protection were rejected. These included:

• Permission to request pet damage insurance or larger deposits where pets are kept
• Expanding grounds for possession in student housing and agricultural tenancies
• Reducing the 12-month period before a re-let is permitted following repossession

This has left some in the sector warning that the Bill may drive landlords out of the market, reducing rental supply and pushing up rents.

Transitional Measures

The Government has made some allowances, such as giving landlords three months to evict tenants if possession notices are served before the law comes into force. Tenancy agreements in place before commencement and which require rent payable in advance would not need to be amended. Ministers have also reserved powers to revisit rent increase rules if court backlogs cause delays.

What Happens Next

If the Bill clears the Lords without further challenge, it will receive Royal Assent. Open-ended tenancies will be introduced immediately, while other measures will be phased in once secondary legislation and guidance are in place. The Government has committed to giving “sufficient notice” before commencement and will launch a communications campaign to support both tenants and landlords through the changes.

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