Your Guide: The Renters Right Bill
With lots of talk about the Renters Rights Bill, check out our handy guide and FAQ's on what this may mean for current and new landlords entering the market.
So, what is the Renters Rights Bill?
The Renters Rights Bill is the government’s long-awaited legislation aimed at overhauling the private rental sector in England. It’s designed to provide tenants with more security and better standards, while also raising the bar for landlords. Key proposals include the abolition of Section 21 notices, a move to periodic tenancies, a new landlord property portal, and a mandatory ombudsman scheme for landlords.
The Bill has been years in the making, and although some headlines sound dramatic, the intention is to create a fairer and more transparent system for everyone involved – landlords included.
The Big Headline: No More Section 21
One of the biggest changes in the Bill is the plan to scrap Section 21 notices, which currently allow landlords to end tenancies without giving a reason. Naturally, this has caused a bit of concern in the landlord community – but it’s not all bad news.
Some Positives to Keep in Kind:
The government is strengthening Section 8, so landlords can still regain possession for valid reasons – like selling the property, moving back in, or dealing with serious rent arrears or antisocial behaviour.
Fixed-term tenancies will go, and everything will move to periodic tenancies, which may give you more flexibility to make changes if needed.
There’ll be a new property portal and landlord ombudsman, designed to improve standards across the board – which should help responsible landlords stand out for the right reasons.
When Will it be Implemented?
The Renters Rights Bill is expected to pass Royal Assent before Parliament breaks for summer on 22 July 2025. The timeline has already slipped slightly, but the final key vote in the House of Lords is currently set for 15 July, which makes it a tight turnaround. If everything goes smoothly, Royal Assent could still happen in time. If not, it’s likely to be pushed back until Parliament resumes in September.
In terms of when the new rules will actually come into play: even once it’s law, the changes are not expected to take effect for at least two months, and likely more. Most predictions suggest we’ll start to see implementation from October 2025 through to early 2026, and it’s likely the key changes (like the end of Section 21 and move to periodic tenancies) will come in first, with other parts phased in later.
We’ll keep you updated with clear timelines as soon as they’re confirmed.
Why Having a Managing Agent Matters (Even more now!)
With changes like this coming in, having a good agent on your side isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. Here’s why:
- Keeping you legally compliant: We stay on top of new legislation, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything or ending up in hot water.
- Navigating new notice rules: Without Section 21, serving the right notice at the right time – with proper evidence – becomes more important and more technical. We'll handle that for you.
- Protecting your interests: Whether it’s rent arrears, property damage, or a tenancy you need to end, we’ll know the correct procedures to follow and how to build a solid case, if needed.
- Saving time and stress: With everything becoming a bit more admin-heavy under the new rules, we take care of the paperwork and communication so you’re not tied up chasing tenants or managing tribunal claims.
- Tenant relationships: We act as a professional buffer, keeping communication clear and fair – which is even more valuable with tighter regulation and new redress schemes.
- Adaptation support: As tenancies shift to periodic and new digital portals are introduced, we’ll manage transitions smoothly and make sure your listings, documentation, and processes stay fully up to date.
FAQs
1. When will the new rules actually start?
Whilst there is no certain timeframe just yet, if the Bill gets Royal Assent in July, we expect implementation between October 2025 and January 2026, with key changes coming first and others staggered over time.
2. Can I still serve a Section 21 now?
Yes – Section 21 remains valid and in use until the new rules officially take over. If you’re considering serving notice soon, get in touch so we can advise on the best approach.
3. Will I lose control over my property?
Not at all. You'll still be able to regain possession using an improved Section 8 process. It just means we’ll need to make sure the right grounds and evidence are used.
4. Do I need to change anything now?
Not immediately – but it’s a great time to review tenancy agreements, property condition, and any risk areas like rent arrears. We can help with all of that.
5. What if I want to sell my property or move back in?
Both are protected grounds under the updated Section 8. You’ll still be able to take back possession for these reasons, but the process will need to be handled properly – which we’ll take care of.
6. What does the end of fixed-term tenancies mean?
All tenancies will become periodic, rolling month to month. This could give more flexibility, but also means notice periods and communication will be key.
7. What is the new property portal and do I have to register?
Yes – it is expected that all landlords will be required to register their rental properties on a national portal. This will become part of staying compliant, and whilst we don't have all the information on this yet we’ll be here to help you with this.
8. Will this affect rent increases?
Future rent increases will need to follow the correct processes using Section 13 which we have plenty of experience so we’ll handle the timings, notices, and compliance to make sure everything’s done right.
9. What happens if I don’t follow the new rules?
The Bill introduces more enforcement powers, including fines, bans, and tribunal actions. Avoiding those is exactly why having a managing agent is more important than ever – we’ll keep everything by the book.
In short: things are changing, but you’re in safe hands.
If you’d like to chat through how the Renters Rights Bill might affect your property or plans, just drop me an email and we can schedule a call. Looking forward to helping you navigate the changes with confidence.
Contact Us:
Charlie Rattenshaw
charlie@lesleyhooks.co.uk
Lettings Manager
Rachael Hooks
rachael@lesleyhooks.co.uk
Director