How Will the Renters' Rights Bill (2025) Affect Landlords?

The Renters' Rights Bill (2025) is introducing significant changes that landlords need to understand. With stricter rules on evictions, rent increases, and property maintenance, staying informed is key to remaining compliant and protecting your investment. This guide will walk you through the major updates, what they mean for you, and how to prepare.

Key Changes for Landlords

Abolition of Section 21 (No-Fault Evictions)

  • Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason.
  • Evictions must follow a formal legal process with clearly defined grounds.

The ban on no-fault evictions will apply immediately. See further information about abolishing Section 21 in our guide. 

Notice Periods for Terminating a Tenancy Agreement

  • Under the Renters' Rights Bill 2025, landlords must follow strict notice periods when seeking to end a tenancy.
  • With the abolition of Section 21, all evictions will be carried out under Section 8, which requires landlords to cite a valid legal ground for possession.

The notice periods vary, see our guide to notice periods for Grounds for Possession.

New Grounds for Possession

  • Landlords can still regain possession under certain conditions, such as non-payment of rent, anti-social behaviour, or needing to sell the property.
  • The process will be streamlined to prevent unnecessary delays in legitimate cases.

Stricter Rules on Rent Increases

Higher Housing Standards

  • Rental properties must meet improved safety and maintenance standards.
  • Local councils will have greater enforcement powers to penalise non-compliant landlords.

Standardised Tenancy Agreements

  • Once the Renters' Rights Bill becomes law, it will immediately convert all fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) to periodic tenancies. This will happen overnight and any fixed-term tenancy that has been signed prior to the Bill becoming law, will automatically become a periodic tenancy agreement. 
  • This means that all tenancy agreements will become a rolling month-to-month agreement with no fixed end date.

This change gives tenants more flexibility, and ensures that landlords follow the correct legal process to regain possession of their property. In a concession to landlords, a new provision will prevent tenants from ending a tenancy within the first six months to ensure stability.

Tougher Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Fines and enforcement actions will increase for landlords who fail to follow the new regulations.
  • Local authorities will have more power to act against rogue landlords.

Property Portal and Licencing

  • A new property portal will be introduced for landlords to register their properties.
  • Local council licencing schemes may be reviewed to avoid duplication

How to Prepare as a Landlord

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Review Your Tenancy Agreements

Ensure they align with the new regulations.
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Keep Properties Well-Maintained

Meeting higher standards will reduce legal risks.
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Understand the New Eviction Process

Be aware of the legitimate reasons for eviction and follow proper procedures.
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Plan for Rent Increases Carefully

Ensure any changes comply with the new rules and provide clear communication to tenants.
-

Review Your Tenancy Agreements

Ensure they align with the new regulations.
-

Keep Properties Well-Maintained

Meeting higher standards will reduce legal risks.
-

Understand the New Eviction Process

Be aware of the legitimate reasons for eviction and follow proper procedures.
-

Plan for Rent Increases Carefully

Ensure any changes comply with the new rules and provide clear communication to tenants.

Contact your Local Letting Agent

Our experienced letting agents can help to ensure you are compliant and prepared as a Landlord for the Renters Rights Bill legislation.

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Renters Rights Bill FAQs for Landlords

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When will the Renters’ Rights Bill become law?

The Renters' Rights Bill is expected to pass into law by summer 2025, with implementation likely to follow in late 2025 or early 2026.

What is happening to Section 21 “no-fault” evictions?

Section 21 is being abolished, meaning landlords must provide a valid legal reason (e.g., rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, selling the property) to end a tenancy.

Will I still be able to regain possession of my property?

Yes, but only under strengthened and clearly defined grounds, such as:

  • Wanting to sell the property
  • Moving in yourself or for a close family member
  • Serious rent arrears or tenant misconduct
What are valid grounds for ending a tenancy agreement for landlords?
  • Mandatory Grounds: where the court must grant possession if proven, i.e. the landlord intends to sell, serious rent arears, or the tenant has been convicted of serious anti-social behaviour.
  • Discretionary Grounds: where the court may ground possession i.e. persistent late payment of rent, neglect or damage to the property, breach of tenancy agreement.

See our handy guide to notice periods for ending a tenancy agreement.

What kind of tenancy agreements will be allowed?

All tenancies will become periodic by default, meaning:

  • No more fixed-term contracts
  • Tenants can leave with two months’ notice
  • Landlords must use valid grounds to end a tenancy
How will rent increases be handled under the new Renters Rights Bill rules?
  • Rent can only be increased once per year using a Section 13 notice
  • Tenants must be given two months’ notice of a rental increase
  • Tenants can challenge increases at a tribunal if they believe the rent is above market value
Will I need to join a landlord ombudsman scheme?

Yes. A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will be mandatory for all landlords, offering tenants a route to resolve disputes without going to court.

Will I have to pay to join the ombudsman?

Yes, landlords will likely pay a membership fee, though the exact cost and structure are still being finalised.

Will the court process for evictions be improved?

Yes. The government has committed to reforming the court system to make it faster and more efficient for landlords to regain possession when justified

How can landlords prepare for the Renters Rights Bill?
  • Review and update tenancy agreements
  • Ensure properties meet all safety standards
  • Keep clear records of communications with tenants and rent payments
  • Stay informed about the bill’s progress and implementation timeline
  • Speak to your local lettings agent