What is the Renters' Rights Bill?

If you're involved in the letting industry, you've likely heard of Labour's Renters' Rights Bill, which was brought in in response to the Conservatives' Renters (Reform) Bill. But what exactly is it, and what does it mean for letting agents?

This Bill represents the most significant overhaul of housing law in the past 30 years, impacting every aspect of the lettings industry. Key changes include abolishing Section 21 evictions, streamlining dispute resolution processes, and stricter enforcement of property standards.

The primary aim of the legislation is to create a more balanced rental market and empower tenants.

We understand the challenges this Bill may pose for our partner agents, and we're here to guide and support you through the changes the Bill will bring!

Latest Renters' Rights Bill update

18th July, 2025

It has been confirmed that the Renters' Rights Bill will be delayed until at least Autumn. It will not be addressed again before MPs leave for their summer recess, meaning it will return to the Commons once Parliament reconvenes in September.

In September, sessions will be centred around the consideration of amends to the bill, and if the bill progresses without any issues, it should be granted Royal Assent by mid-September, meaning it can then become law.

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Our expert team are also here to support you through the upcoming changes. If you're worried about the Renters' Rights Bill, or you'd like to find out more information, please contact your Customer Development Manager, or call us on 0800 035 8258

Industry insight

Commenting on the Renters' Rights Bill, Will Eastman, HomeLet's Head of Legal, said:

The Renters’ Rights Bill is moving through Parliament towards implementation. The Bill is anticipated to receive royal assent before the parliament breaks for party conferences on the 21st of September 2025.

The Bill will overhaul the PRS with the biggest changes to the regulatory regime seen in the past three decades.

Landlords and agents should now:

- Start planning changes to their tenancy documents and CRMs

- Review their processes to ensure workflows remain compliant (deposits, right to rent, safety, repairs)

- Plan for register/ombudsman processes and evidence standards

- Align supplier partnerships to support the new regime

We provide a comprehensive proposition to keep landlords and their agents compliant both before and after the Bill becoming law.

Renters' Rights Bill FAQs

  • What is the Renters' Rights Bill?

    The Renters' Rights Bill is a proposed legislation change which will bring major updates to the private rental sector and require letting agents and landlords to adapt to stricter regulations.

  • How will the abolition of Section 21 affect letting agents?

    The abolition means landlords won't be able to end tenancies without giving a specific reason. Agents will need to support landlords in using revised Section 8 processes, which outline specific legal grounds for possession, such as wanting to sell, move in, rent arrears or property damage.

    If any of your landlord customers are worried about the abolition of Section 21, our Rent Guarantee product can help protect their income.

  • When will the Renters' Rights Bill become law?
    The bill is currently progressing through Parliament and doesn't yet have a set date, however, it is expected to become law at some point in early 2026.
  • Will tenancy agreements change under the new rules?

    Yes, periodic tenancies are expected to become the default. This means tenants can leave with two months' notice, and landlords can only end tenancies using valid grounds under Section 8.

  • Can six or twelve months' rent still be taken up-front?

    No, this is a recent proposed amendment which will not allow for more than one month's rent to be paid in advance. This makes intelligent referencing that looks at tenants' actual affordability even more important.

  • How will the Bill impact existing tenancies? 

    On commencement of the Act, fixed term tenancies will be abolished, regardless of where they are in their current fixed term. The rules on ending a tenancy will apply upon commencement of the Act.

  • What changes are there around rent arrears?

    The new changes to possession grounds will mean a tenant will need to be in three months of arrears before a notice can be served on mandatory grounds. The notice will then give a further four weeks before possession applications can be made to the Court. Any awarded, but unpaid, Housing Allowance of Universal Credit payments can't be counted in the arrears.

    If any of your landlord customers are worried about rent arrears and the cost of going to court, our Rent Guarantee product can help protect their income.

  • What if I have served notice under S8 or S21 already

    TherBolde are some transitional periods for instances in which notices under S8 or S21 have already been served or possession proceedings have already started, before commencement of the new Act. Tenancies will remain assured shorthold tenancies for the purpose of concluding any proceedings already issued, and any notices which have been served shall remain valid until the expiry of their usual shelf life, or a maximum of three months from the date of commencement – whichever is sooner.

  • Will landlords have to allow pets on all tenancies?

    Not necessarily – a landlord will not be able to unreasonably say no to pets within specific timescales. If landlords do agree to pets, there may be provisions introduced to help Landlords protect this risk but no confirmation has been given yet. However, tenants could take out Pet Damage Insurance.

  • Are there any new regulations around dispute resolution?

    The Bill gives the power for it to be made a mandatory requirement of landlords to be a member of a recognised Landlord Redress Scheme.

The timeline of the Renters' Rights Bill

What happened when - a full timeline of how the Bill came to be, and its progress through Parliament

8th September, 2025

The Bill has begun the 'ping pong' process. It will bounce back and forth between the two houses. If the Lords suggest any amendments, it will go back to the House of Commons until agreement is reached

1st July, 2025

The report stage started. The House of Lords will sit on the 1st, 7th and 15th July to further scrutinise elements of the proposed Bill

15th May, 2025

The committee stage ended, meaning the Bill will soon move on to the report stage

22nd April, 2025

The committee stage began, allowing Peers to examine the Bill and consider amendments.

4th February, 2025

The Bill had its second reading in the House of Lords, and will now move on to the committee stage

15th January, 2025

The Bill had its first reading in the House of Lords

14th January, 2025

The Bill completed its passage through the House of Commons, where there were 440 votes for and 111 against

9th October, 2024

The Bill had its second reading where some MPs expressed concerns about the reforms, while others called on the government to go further with their reforms

11th September, 2024

The Renters’ Rights Bill was introduced in the House of Commons

13th June, 2024

Labour publish their 2024 manifesto, promising to scrap section 21 'no fault' evictions

17th May, 2023

Initial Renters (Reform) Bill introduced in the House of Commons
by the Conservative government

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