The Renters’ Rights Bill - What Landlords Need to Know in 2025

The government’s proposed Renters’ Rights Bill has been making headlines again in recent weeks, and it’s no surprise that landlords are watching developments closely. While the Bill is not yet law, it is advancing through Parliament and could mark one of the most significant overhauls of the private rented sector in decades.

This guide sets out what we know so far, how it could affect landlords, and what steps you should be considering as the Bill moves closer to becoming reality.

What Is the Renters’ Rights Bill?

The Renters’ Rights Bill is designed to give tenants greater security and transparency while raising standards across the rental sector. For landlords, it represents a shift in the balance of rights and responsibilities, with new restrictions on tenancy types, rent increases, and eviction procedures.

At its core, the Bill aims to simplify the rental system by replacing fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies with rolling or periodic agreements. It also looks to end so-called “no-fault” evictions and strengthen the mechanisms tenants can use to challenge unfair rent rises or poor housing conditions.

When Will It Come Into Effect?

As of September 2025, the Renters’ Rights Bill is still progressing through Parliament and has not yet been passed into law. It is expected to complete its final stages by the end of the year, after which Royal Assent would make it official legislation.

The government has indicated that implementation would follow in phases, with the first changes likely to come into force in early 2026. However, details may shift depending on how debates play out in the House of Lords and the practicalities of bringing such wide-ranging reforms into action.

For landlords, the important point is that while nothing has changed yet, the framework of the future rental system is becoming clearer.

Key Changes Landlords Should Be Aware Of

One of the biggest changes proposed is the abolition of Section 21, which currently allows landlords to end a tenancy without providing a reason. Under the new rules, possession would only be possible under specific grounds such as selling the property or moving in yourself. This means landlords will need to plan more carefully and be prepared to provide evidence if they wish to regain possession.

The move to periodic tenancies will also be significant. Instead of being tied into fixed terms, tenants will have the right to end their agreement by giving notice at any time. For landlords, this introduces greater uncertainty around income streams and may make long-term planning more challenging.

Rent increases will be restricted to once per year and must be reasonable in line with the local market. The Bill also strengthens tenants’ rights to challenge rent hikes, meaning landlords will need to justify adjustments with clear evidence.

Other aspects of the Bill include giving tenants greater rights to request pets, expanding anti-discrimination protections, and extending minimum housing standards to more rental properties. Each of these changes adds an extra layer of responsibility for landlords and managing agents.

What This Means for Landlords

The direction of travel is clear: the private rented sector is moving towards a more regulated environment with stronger tenant protections. For landlords, this means more compliance requirements, less flexibility in how properties are let, and potentially more cost in maintaining standards.

That said, there are positives too. Clearer frameworks can create more stable tenancies and reduce disputes when both landlords and tenants understand their rights. The reforms also aim to make the system more transparent, which could ultimately improve confidence in the sector.

In practice, landlords should expect to spend more time on administration, from ensuring tenancy agreements are updated to documenting maintenance and demonstrating compliance with housing standards. Cash-flow planning will also be vital, as the combination of periodic tenancies and capped rent increases could affect how income is managed.

How Landlords Can Prepare

Although the Bill is not yet law, landlords would be wise to start preparing now. Reviewing tenancy agreements, checking property standards against the upcoming “decent homes” requirement, and keeping detailed records of rent reviews and maintenance will all help reduce the risk of problems once the Bill takes effect.

It is also worth considering how the end of fixed-term agreements might impact your portfolio. If you rely on predictable tenancy lengths to manage finances, you may need to build in more flexibility. Likewise, with possession grounds set to tighten, landlords should plan ahead if they think they may need their property back in the future.

Staying Ahead of Change

The Renters’ Rights Bill is not yet finalised, and further amendments could be made before it becomes law. What is clear, however, is that significant change is coming, and landlords who prepare early will be in the best position to adapt.

At Woodhead & Co, we will be monitoring every stage of the Bill’s progress and keeping landlords updated as new information is released.

If you’re a landlord and want to understand how the Renters’ Rights Bill could affect your properties, now is the time to get informed. Contact our lettings team today for tailored advice on compliance, tenancy management, and how to protect your investment as the new rules approach.

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📧 lianne@woodheadandco.co.uk
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