The Renters’ Rights Bill is steadily moving through Parliament and is expected to
become law by Autumn 2025, bringing significant changes to the private rented sector.
As a landlord, understanding these changes now will help you prepare for a smooth transition, avoid penalties, and maintain strong tenant relationships. This guide outlines the key requirements and steps you can take to ensure full compliance.
The end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
What’s changing?
- Section 21 evictions will be abolished, meaning landlords can no longer evict tenants without a specific reason
- All tenancies will become periodic (rolling contracts)
Possession will only be granted under legally defined grounds, such as:
- selling the property
- moving in yourself or for a close family member
- tenant rent arrears or anti-social behaviour
How to prepare:
- familiarise yourself with the new possession grounds - understand when and how you can lawfully regain possession
- keep clear records if you plan to sell, refurbish, or move into a property to support any future possession claims
- improve tenant communication - a strong landlord-tenant relationship will help reduce disputes over possession
Private Rented Sector Database
What’s changing?
All landlords must register their properties on a new national Private Rented Sector Database.
This aims to improve transparency and enforcement in the rental market.
How to prepare
Gather essential documents ahead of time, including:
- Gas Safety Certificate
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- ensure your records are up to date, as missing documents could lead to compliance issues
Meeting the Decent Homes Standard
What’s changing?
For the first time, private landlords must meet the Decent Homes Standard, ensuring properties are:
- safe and well-maintained
- free from serious hazards (such as damp, faulty wiring, or poor insulation)
- fit for human habitation
- meet Awaab’s Law which will be extended to the private rented sector, requiring landlords to address damp and mould and serious issues within set timescales
How to prepare
- conduct an inspection, either yourself or with a professional, to identify and fix
potential hazards - budget for necessary repairs, as non-compliance could lead to fines
- respond to tenant repair requests promptly, ensuring you meet the new legal timeframes
Changes to rent increases
What’s changing?
- rent increases will be limited to once per year
- landlords must give tenants at least two months’ notice of a rent increase
- tenants will have the right to challenge unfair rent hikes through a tribunal
- only 1 months rent in advance can be requested once any tenancy agreement has been signed, and before the tenancy commencement date
How to prepare
- set up a rent review calendar - plan rent adjustments in a structured way
- ensure rent increases are based on market conditions to avoid disputes
- keep clear records of rent changes and justifications
Tenant Dispute Resolution: The Ombudsman Scheme
What’s changing?
- a Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will handle disputes between landlords and tenants
- the Ombudsman’s decisions will be legally binding
- all landlords must register with the scheme
How to prepare
- sign up for the Ombudsman Scheme as soon as it’s available - it will be mandatory
- keep detailed records of maintenance requests and tenant interactions to help resolve disputes
- focus on clear communication with tenants to prevent conflicts before they
escalate
New rules on pets in rentals
What’s changing?
- tenants will have the right to request a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse
- landlords may require pet insurance to cover potential damages
How to prepare
- update your tenancy agreements to include pet-related terms (for example rules on pet behaviour and damage)
- consider requiring pet insurance, ensuring property protection within legal limits
- create a fair and transparent pet policy, balancing tenant needs and property upkeep
Stronger protections against tenant discrimination
What’s changing?
- the new law bans discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children
- tenant selection must be fair and transparent, based only on financial suitability
How to prepare
- review your tenant screening process—ensure it complies with non- discrimination rules
- focus only on affordability, references, and credit history when assessing
applications - remove any outdated policies that might unintentionally exclude certain groups
Stronger local authority enforcement
What’s changing?
- councils will have greater powers to investigate landlords and enforce compliance
- higher fines and penalties will be introduced for breaches of rental laws
How to prepare
- stay informed on local council regulations, as enforcement will be stricter
- conduct regular property inspections to ensure ongoing compliance
- engage with local authorities proactively to stay ahead of any new requirements
Next steps - how landlords can prepare now
- stay updated on the bill’s progress, the final version may include additional
changes - review your property portfolio and identify areas needing upgrades or compliance adjustments
- update your tenancy agreements in line with the new regulations
- develop a clear record-keeping system to track compliance and avoid penalties
- engage with professional landlord associations to stay informed and receive guidance
The Renters’ Rights Bill represents the most significant change in rental laws in decades. While adapting to the new rules may seem challenging, preparing now will protect your business, strengthen tenant relationships, and ensure you remain fully compliant.
By taking proactive steps, landlords can minimise disruption, avoid penalties, and continue to operate successfully in the evolving rental market.