Your Guide to
the Renters' Rights
Bill, 2025
The Renters’ Rights Bill (2025) introduces the most significant overhaul of the private rental sector in over 30 years. It aims to enhance tenant protections, improve housing standards, and rebalance the relationship between landlords and tenants.
What is the Renters' Rights Bill?
The bill is designed to make renting in England more secure, fair, and affordable. It includes changes to eviction processes, rent increases, tenancy structures, and landlord obligations. It also introduces new rights for tenants and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.
The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent and become law by July 2025, before Parliament's summer recess. Once the Bill becomes law, the full implementation is expected to take effect between October and December 2025. The Bill was initially proposed by the previous Conservative government, and undergone further changes under the Labour party. Passage of the bill is imminent.
Timeline for the Renters Rights Bill
What are Implications for Stakeholders?
Key Changes
Abolishing Section 21: No More No-Fault Evictions
- Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason.
- New grounds for possession will be clearly defined and expanded.
Transition to Periodic Tenancies
- Fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will be replaced with Assured Periodic Tenancies.
- Tenancies will continue on a rolling basis until the tenant decides to leave or the landlord establishes a valid reason for possession.
- Expected notice periods: two months for tenants, four months for landlords.
Stricter Rules on Rent Increases (Section 13)
- Rent increase clauses are prohibited; landlords must issue a Section 13 notice for rent hikes.
- Increases are limited to once per year and capped at market levels.
- Tenants must receive advance notice of any rent increase.
- There will be a ban on bidding wars.
Prohibition of Large Upfront Rent Payments
- Upfront rent payments are capped at one month's rent to remove financial barriers for tenants.
- Landlords may rely more on guarantors, affecting overseas tenants and those with insufficient credit history.
Right to Keep Pets
- Tenants can request permission to keep pets, and landlords must consider these requests reasonably.
- Landlords may require pet insurance to cover potential property damage.
Establishment of a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
-
An independent ombudsman will resolve disputes between landlords and tenants, offering an alternative to court proceedings.
- This aims to reduce reliance on costly and slow court processes.
Introduction of a Privately Rented Property Portal
- A new digital portal will help to inform landlords about their legal obligations and assist tenants in making informed housing decisions.
Better Housing Standards – the Decent Homes Standard
- The Decent Homes Standard will apply to private rentals for the first time.
- Rental properties must meet minimum quality and safety criteria.
- Local authorities will have increased power to enforce these standards.
Renters Rights Bill FAQs
The Renters Rights Bill (2025) represents a significant shift in the rental market, aiming to create a fairer and more secure environment for tenants while ensuring landlords adhere to new regulations.
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The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 represents a significant reform of rental legislation in England. Its primary objectives are to:
- Enhance the rights and security of tenants
- Replace outdated tenancy frameworks
- Improve housing quality and safety
- Simplify the resolution of disputes
- Maintain landlords’ ability to manage their properties effectively
Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, commonly referred to as the “no-fault eviction” provision, permitted landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason. Its abolition is intended to:
- Prevent unjust or retaliatory evictions
- Provide tenants with greater housing stability and assurance
Under the new legislation, all tenancies will become periodic by default. This means:
- There will be no fixed end date
- Tenants may terminate the tenancy with two months’ notice
- Landlords must cite a valid legal reason to end the tenancy
This approach is designed to offer greater flexibility and clarity for both parties.
A new, independent ombudsman will be established to:
- Provide free, impartial, and binding dispute resolution services
- Offer an alternative to court proceedings
- Be accessible to all private landlords, regardless of the size of their portfolio
The legislation introduces a Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector, requiring that all properties:
- Are safe and free from serious hazards
- Are energy-efficient and adequately heated
- Are maintained in a good state of repair
Yes, landlords may increase rent, but the Bill introduces new safeguards:
- Rent may only be increased once per year
- A minimum of two months’ notice must be provided
- Tenants may challenge excessive increases through a First-tier Tribunal
The government intends to:
- Streamline possession proceedings
- Enhance court efficiency and reduce delays
- Introduce digital tools to facilitate faster dispute resolution
Yes. The Bill introduces a cap on advance rent payments:
- Landlords may not request more than one month’s rent in advance
- This measure is designed to reduce financial barriers for prospective tenants
The bill is expected to become law in summer 2025, with implementation likely to follow in stages.
Yes. Tenants will have the right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords:
- May not unreasonably refuse such requests
- May require tenants to obtain pet insurance to cover potential damage
The legislation includes specific provisions for student housing, allowing:
- Fixed-term contracts for purpose-built student accommodation
- Clearer guidance on notice periods and tenancy terms for students
Yes. Landlords must:
- Provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering a property
- Have a legitimate reason for entry, such as conducting repairs or safety checks
A new national database will be established to:
- Register all private landlords
- Monitor compliance with housing and safety standards
- Improve transparency and support enforcement efforts
Yes. The Bill limits the amount of rent that can be requested upfront:
- No more than one month’s rent may be required in advance
- This aims to make renting more accessible and affordable
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