The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 introduces the biggest changes to the private rented sector in a generation. With widespread discussion and some confusion among landlords, it’s important to understand what is actually changing, when it is happening, and how to prepare. In this guide, our founder and director Phil Ashton explains the Renters’ Rights Bill in simple terms, focusing on what landlords need to know and what practical steps to take.
What Is the Renters’ Rights Bill 2025?
The Renters’ Rights Bill is a government reform designed to improve fairness, transparency, and housing standards across the private rented sector. While it introduces new responsibilities for landlords, it also aims to reduce disputes, create clearer rules, and encourage longer, more stable tenancies. For professional landlords who already operate properly, this is not a radical shift but a formalisation of best practice.
Key Changes Landlords Need to Know
Section 21 No-Fault Evictions Will Be Abolished
Section 21 notices will be removed. Landlords will still be able to regain possession of their property, but only for valid reasons such as selling the property, moving back in, serious rent arrears, or anti-social behaviour. Section 8 grounds will be strengthened to ensure landlords can still act where there are genuine issues. This change is not the end of landlord control, but the end of unclear and inconsistent processes.
All Tenancies Will Become Periodic
Fixed-term tenancies will be phased out and replaced with rolling, month-to-month agreements. Tenants will be able to leave at any time by giving two months’ notice. This means landlords will need to plan more carefully around tenant retention and void periods, making proactive management and good communication increasingly important.
Limits on Upfront Rent Payments
Landlords and agents will be limited to requesting one month’s rent in advance, plus the security deposit. This change is intended to make renting more accessible and reduce large upfront costs for tenants at the start of a tenancy.
Rent Increases Will Be More Controlled
Rent will only be able to increase once every twelve months. Any increase must be served using a formal notice and include a minimum two-month notice period. Tenants will have the right to challenge rent increases they believe are above market value, making evidence-based pricing essential.
Advertised Rent Must Be the Final Rent
Landlords must clearly advertise a single asking rent and will not be permitted to accept offers above that amount. This removes bidding wars and increases transparency across the rental market.
Tenants Will Have the Right to Request a Pet
Tenants will have a formal right to request a pet. Landlords will not be able to unreasonably refuse, although they may request suitable pet insurance. This change is expected to lead to clearer discussions rather than widespread disruption.
Refusing Tenants on Benefits Will Be Illegal
It will be unlawful for landlords or agents to refuse tenants solely because they are in receipt of benefits. Referencing and affordability checks will still be permitted, but discrimination will not. Tenant selection processes must be fair, consistent, and well documented.
A National Rental Property Database
All private rented properties will need to be registered on a national rental property database. This will improve transparency, support enforcement, and help raise professional standards across the sector. Well-organised landlords should find compliance straightforward.
Higher Property Standards
The Decent Homes Standard will apply to the private rented sector. This includes faster deadlines for addressing serious hazards such as damp, mould, and safety issues. Proactive maintenance will become more important than ever.
Stronger Enforcement and Penalties
Local authorities will gain stronger powers to inspect, investigate, and enforce compliance. Penalties for certain offences will increase, making accurate paperwork and clear records essential.
A New Mandatory Landlord Ombudsman
A new landlord ombudsman scheme will be introduced, and all landlords will be required to join. This will provide a structured process for resolving complaints without court involvement, offering faster and more cost-effective outcomes for both landlords and tenants.
When Will the Renters’ Rights Bill Take Effect?
The changes will be introduced in phases. Most major reforms, including the move to periodic tenancies and the abolition of Section 21, are expected to take effect from Spring 2026. Some enforcement measures may be introduced earlier.
What The Lettings Cloud Is Doing to Support Landlords and Tenants
At The Lettings Cloud, we are already preparing for the Renters’ Rights Bill rather than reacting at the last minute. We are reviewing tenancy agreements, preparing for rolling tenancies, standardising rent procedures, ensuring properties meet the Decent Homes Standard, organising records for database registration, and putting clear processes in place for pet requests and complaints. Our compliance and regulatory software ensures paperwork is accurate, up to date, and managed efficiently.
For tenants, this means clearer expectations, faster responses to maintenance issues, transparent rent processes, and a professional letting experience. For landlords, it means fewer disputes, stronger tenant relationships, and long-term stability.
Final Thoughts
The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 is about professionalising the private rented sector. Landlords who value good tenants, well-maintained properties, and clear communication are likely to adapt smoothly and benefit from these changes.
If you would like advice on how the Renters’ Rights Bill affects your property or portfolio, please get in touch.
Phil Ashton
Founder and Director, The Lettings Cloud
01282 691223
info@thelettingscloud.com
www.thelettingscloud.com
FAQ
Is the Renters’ Rights Bill bad for landlords?
The Bill is not designed to penalise good landlords. It raises standards and removes grey areas. Professional landlords who already operate responsibly are likely to benefit from clearer rules and more stable tenancies.
Can landlords still evict tenants?
Yes. Landlords will still be able to regain possession for legitimate reasons such as selling, moving in, rent arrears, or anti-social behaviour.
When will Section 21 end?
Section 21 is expected to be abolished from Spring 2026, subject to final legislation and phased implementation.
Can tenants leave whenever they want?
Tenants will be able to leave at any time, provided they give two months’ notice.
How often can rent be increased?
Rent can only be increased once every twelve months, with a formal notice and a minimum two-month notice period.
Do landlords have to accept pets?
Landlords must consider pet requests and cannot unreasonably refuse them, but may require appropriate pet insurance.
Do all rental properties need to be registered?
Yes. All private rented homes will need to be registered on the national rental property database.