The Government, looking to introduce the Renters Rights Bill, abolish the Section 21 ‘no fault evictions’ and remove fixed term tenancies, believe the bill will improve the current rental system in England. They say it will give renters much greater security and stability so they can stay in their homes for longer and avoid the risk of homelessness.
Landlords will have to rely on Section 8 to repossess properties.
Tenants will have the ability to terminate their tenancy by serving two months’ notice.
Current Status as of 8th September 2025:
– The Bill is in the ‘ping pong’ stage
– The House of Lords is scheduled to consider amendments on 14th October 2025
– Final version pending agreement
– Once agreed, Royal Assent and final step for the Bill to become law
Expected Implementation:
– The Government plans a staged roll-out of the measures
– The bill is expected to come into force within six months of Royal Assent
Key Changes to Expect:
– Abolishment of Section 21
– Add new and expanded possession grounds under Section 8
– Fixed term assured shorthold tenancies, (AST’s) to covert to periodic tenancies
– 12-month ‘protected period’ for tenants
– Landlords will have to provide a specific reason for ending a tenancy
– Change of notice periods to end tenancies
– Implementation of a national database expected later, possibly 2026/2027
– Introduction of measures to end rental bidding wars
– Tenants to have the right to request a pet
– Apply a Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the Private Rented Sector
– Digital Private Rented Sector database with key information for landlords, tenants and councils
– Establish a new ombudsman service for Private Rented Sector landlords
– Make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants
– Strengthen local council enforcements powers
– Limit rents in advance
What to do Now:
Landlords and tenants should begin preparing for the new regulations, even though the full details have not yet been published.
Landlords should anticipate changes that affect both new and existing tenancies.
Further details on the new rules, including their complex nature will be released on the government website as implementation approaches;
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-bill/guide-to-the-renters-rights-bill