The New Renters’ Rights Bill — What You Need to Know Overview
The Renters’ Rights Bill introduced by the UK Government represents the biggest change to private renting in England for decades. The reforms are designed to give tenants more security and stronger protections while creating clearer rules for landlords. If you let property in England, these changes will directly affect how you manage tenancies, regain possession, set rents, and maintain your property.
Key Changes at a Glance
• ❌ Section 21 “no-fault” evictions abolished
• �� All tenancies move to periodic (rolling) agreements
• �� New limits and rules on rent increases
• �� Stronger tenant rights to keep pets
• �� New Decent Homes Standard for private rentals
• �� Creation of a national landlord register
• ⚖️ Expanded powers for the Ombudsman
1. End of Section 21 Evictions What’s changing:
Section 21 notices will be abolished, meaning landlords can no longer evict tenants without giving a valid legal reason. What landlords must do instead:
• Use revised Section 8 grounds for possession
• Provide evidence for eviction grounds
• Follow updated notice periods Impact on you:
• Regaining possession may take longer
• Documentation and compliance become more important
• You must plan exits more carefully (e.g., for sale or moving in)
2. All Tenancies Become Periodic What’s changing:
Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies will end. All tenancies will automatically roll month-to-month. Tenant rights:
• Tenants can give 2 months’ notice at any time
• No requirement to wait until end of a fixed term Impact on landlords:
• Less guaranteed rental periods
• Potential for higher tenant turnover
• Need for stronger tenant referencing and retention strategies
3. Rent Increase Reforms What’s changing:
4. Stronger Rights for Tenants with Pets What’s changing:
Tenants will have the legal right to request a pet, and landlords must not unreasonably refuse. Landlord protections:
• You can require pet insurance
• You can refuse with valid reason (e.g., lease restrictions) Impact:
• More pet requests expected
• Tenancy agreements may need updating
• Consider insurance and property suitability
5. Decent Homes Standard Extended
The Decent Homes Standard (previously mainly social housing) will apply to the private rented sector.
You must ensure:
6. New Landlord Ombudsman
All private landlords must join the new mandatory Ombudsman scheme.
Purpose:
Impact:
7. National Landlord Database
A new digital register will require landlords to provide details of:
When Will Changes Happen?
Implementation will be phased after the Bill becomes law. Transitional arrangements are expected for existing tenancies, but landlords should begin preparing now. Practical
Steps Landlords Should Take Now
✔ Review your tenancy agreements
✔ Ensure property condition meets expected standards
✔ Organise compliance documents (EPC, gas safety, etc.)
✔ Prepare for longer possession timelines ✔ Consider pet policies and insurance
✔ Stay updated on guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Final Thoughts
These reforms aim to professionalise the private rented sector. Well-prepared landlords who maintain good standards and clear processes should continue to operate successfully, but the margin for non-compliance will shrink.
Disclaimer: This leaflet is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should seek professional advice for their specific circumstances.
The Renters’ Rights Bill introduced by the UK Government represents the biggest change to private renting in England for decades. The reforms are designed to give tenants more security and stronger protections while creating clearer rules for landlords. If you let property in England, these changes will directly affect how you manage tenancies, regain possession, set rents, and maintain your property.
Key Changes at a Glance
• ❌ Section 21 “no-fault” evictions abolished
• �� All tenancies move to periodic (rolling) agreements
• �� New limits and rules on rent increases
• �� Stronger tenant rights to keep pets
• �� New Decent Homes Standard for private rentals
• �� Creation of a national landlord register
• ⚖️ Expanded powers for the Ombudsman
1. End of Section 21 Evictions What’s changing:
Section 21 notices will be abolished, meaning landlords can no longer evict tenants without giving a valid legal reason. What landlords must do instead:
• Use revised Section 8 grounds for possession
• Provide evidence for eviction grounds
• Follow updated notice periods Impact on you:
• Regaining possession may take longer
• Documentation and compliance become more important
• You must plan exits more carefully (e.g., for sale or moving in)
2. All Tenancies Become Periodic What’s changing:
Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies will end. All tenancies will automatically roll month-to-month. Tenant rights:
• Tenants can give 2 months’ notice at any time
• No requirement to wait until end of a fixed term Impact on landlords:
• Less guaranteed rental periods
• Potential for higher tenant turnover
• Need for stronger tenant referencing and retention strategies
3. Rent Increase Reforms What’s changing:
• Rent increases limited to once per year
• Must use the formal Section 13 process
• Tenants can challenge excessive increases via tribunal Impact on landlords:
• Less flexibility to adjust rents quickly
• Must ensure increases reflect market levels
• Poorly justified increases may be overturned
• Must use the formal Section 13 process
• Tenants can challenge excessive increases via tribunal Impact on landlords:
• Less flexibility to adjust rents quickly
• Must ensure increases reflect market levels
• Poorly justified increases may be overturned
4. Stronger Rights for Tenants with Pets What’s changing:
Tenants will have the legal right to request a pet, and landlords must not unreasonably refuse. Landlord protections:
• You can require pet insurance
• You can refuse with valid reason (e.g., lease restrictions) Impact:
• More pet requests expected
• Tenancy agreements may need updating
• Consider insurance and property suitability
5. Decent Homes Standard Extended
The Decent Homes Standard (previously mainly social housing) will apply to the private rented sector.
You must ensure:
• Property is free from serious hazards
• Facilities are in reasonable repair
• Homes are warm and energy efficient Impact:
• Possible upgrade costs
• Increased enforcement by local councils
• Greater risk of penalties for non-compliance
• Facilities are in reasonable repair
• Homes are warm and energy efficient Impact:
• Possible upgrade costs
• Increased enforcement by local councils
• Greater risk of penalties for non-compliance
6. New Landlord Ombudsman
All private landlords must join the new mandatory Ombudsman scheme.
Purpose:
• Resolve tenant complaints
• Provide binding decisions
• Reduce court disputes
• Provide binding decisions
• Reduce court disputes
Impact:
• Annual membership requirement
• More formal complaint handling
• Poor practice could lead to compensation orders
• More formal complaint handling
• Poor practice could lead to compensation orders
7. National Landlord Database
A new digital register will require landlords to provide details of:
- • Properties let
- • Compliance certificates
- • Contact information
• Additional administrative duty
• Easier enforcement by councils
• Greater transparency in the sector
• Easier enforcement by councils
• Greater transparency in the sector
When Will Changes Happen?
Implementation will be phased after the Bill becomes law. Transitional arrangements are expected for existing tenancies, but landlords should begin preparing now. Practical
Steps Landlords Should Take Now
✔ Review your tenancy agreements
✔ Ensure property condition meets expected standards
✔ Organise compliance documents (EPC, gas safety, etc.)
✔ Prepare for longer possession timelines ✔ Consider pet policies and insurance
✔ Stay updated on guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Final Thoughts
These reforms aim to professionalise the private rented sector. Well-prepared landlords who maintain good standards and clear processes should continue to operate successfully, but the margin for non-compliance will shrink.
Disclaimer: This leaflet is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should seek professional advice for their specific circumstances.