Renters' Rights Bill
A Landlord's Guide to the Renters' Rights Bill: Are you ready?
What You Need to Know as Royal Assent is received.
The Renters' Rights Bill has finally after 2 years, now recieved Royal Assent.
However dont panic just yet, even now it has officially become law, most changes won't kick in immediately.
The government still needs to publish detailed regulations, and different provisions will roll out over the coming months.
As landlords, you've probably heard bits and pieces about what's coming. Let's cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters for your day-to-day operations.
10 INDISPUTABLE RENTERS’ RIGHTS BILL REALITIES (EVERY LANDLORD NEEDS TO KNOW)
The Renters’ Rights Bill is the most significant reform the private rented sector (PRS) has seen since the Housing Act of 1988. Here’s what you need to know about the changes...
1. SECTION 21 ABOLISHED
The Renters’ Rights Bill will ban Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions to give renters greater security in their homes. Section 8 will now become the main way to evict tenants and grounds for possession have been updated and expanded.
2. PERIODIC TENANCIES REPLACE ASTS OVERNIGHT
All fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) will convert to periodic tenancies overnight. Any deal you sign now will immediately become a periodic tenancy once the RRB becomes effective, rather than running for the duration agreed in the contract.
3. RENT INCREASES LIMITED TO ONCE PER YEAR
Serving a Section 13 notice once per year will be the only way to raise the rent now ASTs are being abolished. Rent review clauses, renewals and written agreements will be no more.
4. TENANTS CAN CHALLENGE RENT INCREASES
Tenants can use a first-tier tribunal service to appeal rent increases they think are unfair. As of the July 2025 summer Parliament recess, there are no plans to backdate rent increases.
5. DECENT HOMES STANDARD ESTABLISHED
Private rental homes need to meet minimum standards. Landlords who fall below these standards can be fined up to £7,000 by local councils and may face prosecution.
6. AWAAB’S LAW INTRODUCED
Initially part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, this law means landlords must follow strict timescales to address health hazards, such as damp and mould.
7. BIDDING WARS BANNED
Landlords and letting agents must advertise a fixed asking rent and cannot accept offers above this price
8. MORE FREEDOM TO HAVE PETS IN LETS
Tenants will have more freedom to request a pet. During the report stage in the House of Lords, the government passed an amendment to remove landlords' ability to require tenants with pets to purchase insurance
9. DIGITAL DATABASE & PROPERTY OMBUDSMAN SET UP
A new digital database will provide transparency on landlord compliance. The property ombudsman will provide a resolution service to settle disputes without the need for court involvement.
10. TENANT DISCRIMINATION BANNED
Landlords can’t refuse tenants just because they have children or are receiving benefits.
Although the above will be phased in over the next few months, one thing we do know is that as of December 2025 extened powers will be given to Local authorities , which allows them to access and seize any documents relevant to a property, if they feel is not meeting the required standards and this will apply to both landlords and letting agents!
How to Get Ready
Review Your Current Practices
Take an honest look at how you currently operate. Are you relying heavily on Section 21 evictions? Do you regularly ask for multiple months' rent upfront? Now's the time to adjust your approach.
Strengthen Tenant Relationships
With fewer eviction options available, maintaining good relationships with reliable tenants becomes even more valuable. Address maintenance issues promptly, communicate clearly, and consider whether small rent concessions might be worth keeping good tenants long-term.
Document Everything
Start keeping detailed records of all tenant communications, maintenance requests, and property-related decisions. If you ever need to pursue possession through the courts, proper documentation will be essential.
Market Research
Begin tracking local rental prices regularly. You'll need this data to justify future rent increases and ensure your properties are competitively priced from the outset.
Financial Planning
With reduced upfront payments and potentially longer void periods between tenancies, review your cash flow projections. You might need larger financial buffers than before.
Don't Panic – Get Professional Support
Look, we get it. These changes feel overwhelming, especially if you're managing multiple properties or new to the landlord game. But remember, thousands of landlords across the country are navigating these same waters.
The key is staying informed and adapting your practices gradually. You don't need to overhaul everything overnight, but you do need to start planning now.
At Abacus Homes, we're keeping close tabs on all these developments. Our team regularly briefs landlords on regulatory changes and helps navigate the practical implications for property management.
And relax! Let us take your stress away. We understand that staying on top of changing regulations while managing properties can feel like a full-time job. That's exactly why professional property management services exist – to handle the compliance headaches while you focus on building your portfolio.
If you’re a landlord and would like to discuss any of the major changes, feel free to contact us
Disclaimer: This article is intended as a guide only and does not constitute legal advice. Property laws can be complex, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with qualified legal professionals for specific situations, and stay updated with official government guidance as implementation details are confirmed.
The Renters' Rights Bill represents the biggest shake-up in rental legislation for decades, but it's not the end of the world. Landlords who adapt their practices and maintain professional standards will continue to thrive in the evolving market.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and remember – change brings opportunities as well as challenges.
