How Will the Renters Rights Reform Bill (2025) Affect Landlords
The Renters’ Rights Bill (2025) is poised to bring the most significant overhaul to England’s private rental sector in over 30 years. Although the bill has not yet passed into law, it continues to move through Parliament and remains a central focus of housing discussions. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen tenant protections—particularly by abolishing no-fault evictions—while also introducing clearer rules for landlords around evictions, rent increases, and property standards.
While the bill has faced delays and political debate, landlords should begin preparing now. Understanding the proposed changes will help you stay ahead of compliance requirements and adapt your property management practices effectively.
Key Proposed Changes for Landlords
Abolition of Section 21 (No-Fault Evictions)
- Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a valid legal reason.
- All evictions must now proceed under Section 8, which requires specific grounds for possession.
Updated Notice Periods
- With the removal of Section 21, all evictions require a valid legal ground.
- Landlords must follow Section 8 procedures, which include defined notice periods depending on the grounds for possession.
Revised Grounds for Possession
- Landlords can still regain possession for reasons such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or if they intend to sell or move into the property.
- The process is being streamlined to reduce delays in legitimate cases.
- The notice period will depend on the grounds for possession.
Rent Increase Regulations
- Rent increases must follow a formal process using a Section 13 notice and require at least two months’ notice.
- Landlords can only increase the rent once per year, and it must be inline with current market rates at the time.
- Tenants will have the right to challenge increases they believe are excessive.
Higher Property Standards
- All rental properties must meet improved safety and maintenance standards.
- Local councils will have stronger powers to enforce compliance and issue penalties.
Standardised Tenancy Agreements - Periodic Tenancies
- All tenancies will become periodic, meaning they continue on a rolling monthly basis with no fixed end date. This will happen as soon as the law is passed and come into affect overnight. All existing tenancy contracts will automatically convert from fixed-term tenancies, into periodic tenancies.
- A new rule would prevent tenants from ending a tenancy within the first six months, offering landlords more stability.
- Landlords must follow legal procedures to regain possession.
Increased Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Fines and enforcement actions will be tougher for landlords who breach the new rules.
- Local authorities will have more authority to act against non-compliant landlords.
Private Rented Property Portal and Licencing
- All private landlords will be required to register their properties with the Privately Rented Property Portal.
- This is a proposed national digital database; it is part of the government's efforts to improve transparency, accountability, and enforcement in the private rental sector.
How to Prepare as a Landlord
Review Your Tenancy Agreements
Keep Properties Well-Maintained
Understand the New Eviction Process
Plan for Rent Increases Carefully
Review Your Tenancy Agreements
Keep Properties Well-Maintained
Understand the New Eviction Process
Plan for Rent Increases Carefully
See our other Guides for Landlords regarding Renters' Rights Bill 2025
An end to Section 21, no-fault evictions
Navigating Rent Increases for Landlords and Tenants
Notice Periods for ending a Tenancy
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Renters Rights Bill FAQs
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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 will be abolished. Landlords will no longer be permitted to terminate tenancies without providing a valid legal reason. Acceptable grounds for possession will include, but are not limited to, rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or the intention to sell the property.
Yes. Landlords will continue to have the right to recover possession, but only under strengthened and clearly defined grounds, such as:
- Intention to sell the property
- Requirement to occupy the property personally or for a close family member
- Serious rent arrears or tenant misconduct
- Mandatory Grounds: The court must grant possession if the landlord can prove the ground, e.g., sale of the property, serious rent arrears, or criminal behaviour by the tenant.
- Discretionary Grounds: The court may grant possession at its discretion, e.g., persistent late payment of rent, property damage, or breach of tenancy terms.
All tenancies will become periodic by default, effectively ending fixed-term contracts. This reform is intended to enhance tenant flexibility and security. Key features include:
- Elimination of fixed-term tenancies
- Tenants may terminate the tenancy with two months’ notice
- Landlords must rely on valid legal grounds to end a tenancy
- Rent may only be increased once annually via a Section 13 notice
- Tenants must receive a minimum of two months’ notice of any rent increase
- Tenants may challenge rent increases they believe to be above market value through a tribunal
Yes. All landlords must register with the newly established Private Rented Sector Ombudsman. This body will provide tenants with a means of resolving disputes without resorting to court proceedings.
Yes. Landlords will be required to pay a membership fee. The specific cost and payment structure are currently under development.
Yes. The government has pledged to reform the court system to ensure a more efficient and timely process for landlords seeking possession on legitimate grounds.
Landlords are advised to:
- Review and revise existing tenancy agreements
- Ensure all properties comply with current safety regulations
- Maintain accurate records of tenant communications and rent payments
- Stay informed on the Bill’s progress and implementation schedule
- Seek guidance from your local lettings agent
- View our Landlord's Guide to Renters' Rights Bill