Renters' Rights Bill – Key Changes in Private Renting Laws in England
The Renters’ Rights Bill marks a pivotal shift in private renting laws in England. It has progressed swiftly through Parliament and is expected to receive Royal Assent by Autumn 2025, with most reforms taking effect from late 2025 or early 2026.
The Renters’ Rights Bill (launched in September 2024) marks a pivotal shift in private renting laws in England. It has progressed swiftly through Parliament and is expected to receive Royal Assent by mid-September 2025, with most reforms taking effect from late 2025 or early 2026.
Here are the key points that are likely to take effect.
Abolition of Section 21 ('no-fault') evictions
Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without giving a reason—tenancies will shift to a periodic format, enhancing tenant security
Fixed-term tenancies replaced by periodic tenancies
All assured shorthold tenancies will convert automatically to periodic at commencement.
Limiting rent increases
Rent can only be raised once per year, via Section 13 notice, and must not exceed the market rate.
Ban on rental bidding wars
Landlords and agents must advertise a single rent and cannot solicit or accept higher offers
Tenant protections against discrimination
It's now illegal to refuse tenants based on having children or being on benefits—penalties for breaches include fines up to £7,000
Pets and insurance
Tenants can request to keep pets, and landlords must not unreasonably refuse such requests. Pet insurance provisions are included.
Improved property standards
Introduction of the Decent Homes Standard for private rentals, along with a mandatory PRS (Private Rented Sector) database and Landlord Ombudsman for transparency and dispute resolution
Stronger enforcement and possession grounds
Evictions must now rely upon expanded Section 8 grounds—like rent arrears, sale of property, or landlords/family moving in—with clearer notice rules and safeguards like a 12-month re-let ban after legitimate evictions
Awaab’s Law extension
From social housing to the private sector: strict timescales for rectifying hazards like damp and mould
