The Renters Reform Bill
The Renters Reform Bill is nearing law — landlords should prepare now for major changes to tenancy rules, possession grounds, and notice periods.
🏠 Renters Reform Bill: What Landlords Need to Know Now
It’s been a transformative year for the lettings sector, and one piece of legislation stands to reshape the landscape more than any other: the Renters Reform Bill. Now in its final parliamentary stages — the so-called “ping-pong” phase between the House of Commons and Lords — the Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent by early November 2025.
This landmark legislation represents the most significant overhaul of England’s private rental sector in over 30 years. If you’re a landlord, staying ahead of these changes is essential to protect your investments and ensure compliance.
🔍 Key Changes Proposed by the Bill
- Abolition of Section 21 ‘No-Fault’ Evictions
- Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason. All evictions must now fall under revised Section 8 grounds.
- All Tenancies Become Periodic
- Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies will be replaced by periodic tenancies, offering tenants greater flexibility and making tenancy management more dynamic.
- Revised Possession Grounds
- New and updated grounds for possession include provisions for student lets (Ground 4A), property sale, and landlord occupation. These are still being debated, with some Lords' amendments recently rejected.
- Rent Increase Restrictions
- Rent can only be increased once per year, with a minimum of two months ' notice. Tenants will have the right to challenge excessive increases via the First-tier Tribunal.
- National Landlord Register & Ombudsman
- A new database will track landlord compliance, and a dedicated ombudsman will handle tenant complaints, aiming to raise standards across the sector.
📈 Market Impact So Far
While the Bill has caused ripples in the market, particularly around tenant security and landlord flexibility, prime rental values have remained resilient. In fact, areas like Prime Central London have seen growth despite regulatory uncertainty. However, landlords are increasingly turning to guarantor services to mitigate risk, with a 30% rise in tenancies requiring guarantors compared to last year.
📞 Need Help Navigating the Changes?
If you’re unsure how these reforms might affect your portfolio — from tenancy agreements to rent reviews — I’d be happy to provide a clear, tailored summary. Whether you need compliance guidance or a market update, feel free to reach out directly on 0203 848 1399.
Let’s ensure your lettings strategy is future-proof.
