The private rented sector in the UK has grown significantly, now housing millions of people across the country. For years, tenants and landlords have navigated a system with calls for greater security and fairness. In response, the government has introduced the Renters’ (Reform) Bill, a piece of legislation set to bring about the most substantial changes to the private rental market in a generation.
This bill aims to create a fairer, more secure system for tenants while still protecting the rights of landlords. So, what exactly is changing, and how might it affect you? We’ll break down the key reforms, exploring the implications for both sides of the rental agreement and what this new era of renting could look like.
What Are the Key Changes in the Renters’ Rights Bill?
The Bill introduces several landmark reforms designed to rebalance the relationship between tenants and landlords. Let’s explore the most significant proposals.
The End of ‘No-Fault’ Evictions
Perhaps the most talked-about reform is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions. How does this change the landscape for tenants?
Currently, landlords can use a Section 21 notice to evict tenants at the end of a fixed-term tenancy without providing any reason. This has been a source of significant instability for renters, who can face eviction with just two months’ notice through no fault of their own.
Under the new bill, this mechanism will be removed. Landlords will only be able to evict a tenant under specific, reasonable circumstances. This shift is designed to empower tenants to challenge poor standards and unfair rent increases without the fear of a retaliatory eviction, providing much-needed stability and peace of mind.
A New System for Repossession
With Section 21 gone, how will landlords regain their property when necessary? The bill replaces it with a more comprehensive framework of possession grounds. Landlords will be able to regain their property if they have a legitimate reason, such as:
- Selling the Property: Landlords who genuinely wish to sell their property will be able to do so.
- Moving In: If the landlord or their close family members need to move into the home, they can seek possession.
- Persistent Rent Arrears: The bill strengthens grounds for evicting tenants who are repeatedly late with rent payments. This is intended to give landlords confidence that they can deal with anti-social behaviour or tenants who do not pay their rent.
- Anti-Social Behaviour: The grounds for evicting tenants for disruptive or anti-social behaviour are also being strengthened, making it easier for landlords to act.
This new system aims to be fair to both parties. It protects tenants from arbitrary evictions while ensuring landlords can reclaim their property when their circumstances change or when tenants breach their agreements.
Regulating Rent Increases
Unpredictable and steep rent rises can place a huge strain on household budgets. How will the new bill address this?
The legislation will end the use of rent review clauses that lock tenants into predetermined increases. Instead, rent increases will be limited to once per year, and landlords must provide two months’ notice of any change.
Crucially, the bill introduces a mechanism for tenants to challenge excessive rent hikes through an independent tribunal. If a tenant believes a proposed increase is unreasonable, they can have it independently assessed. This reform aims to make rent increases more transparent and prevent tenants from being priced out of their homes by unfair hikes.
A Ban on Rental Bidding Wars
Have you ever felt pressured to offer more than the advertised rent to secure a property? The bill seeks to put an end to this practice.
Rental bidding wars, where prospective tenants are encouraged to outbid each other, will be banned. Landlords and agents will not be able to market properties with a “rent negotiation” element or invite bids. This ensures that the advertised rent is the actual rent, creating a more transparent and less stressful process for those searching for a new home.
Introducing a New Property Portal
To improve standards and communication, the government plans to introduce a new digital Property Portal. What will this involve?
This portal will be a single “front door” for landlords, tenants, and local councils. Landlords will be required to register themselves and their properties on the portal. For tenants, it will provide greater transparency, allowing them to see information about their landlord’s compliance with legal requirements. For local authorities, it will offer better data to help them crack down on rogue landlords.
The Right to Request a Pet
For many tenants, the inability to keep a pet is a major drawback of renting. The new bill introduces a significant change in this area.
Tenants will have the legal right to request to keep a pet in their home, a request which the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. To protect landlords, they will be able to require the tenant to take out pet insurance to cover any potential damage to the property. This change recognises the importance of pets to people’s wellbeing and aims to make renting a more pet-friendly experience.
What Is the Potential Impact?
The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a fundamental shift in the private rented sector. For tenants, it promises greater security, predictability, and the power to hold landlords to account without fear of reprisal. The end of ‘no-fault’ evictions is a monumental step towards making rented houses feel more like secure homes.
For landlords, the changes require an adjustment. While the removal of Section 21 may seem concerning, the bill aims to strengthen grounds for legitimate evictions, such as for anti-social behaviour and rent arrears. The goal is to support good landlords by making it easier to deal with problematic tenancies while ensuring they provide decent, safe housing.
With so many changes on the horizon, how can landlords stay compliant, confident, and ahead of the curve? That’s where expert support makes all the difference. Skribes offers specialised services to help landlords adapt to the new rules, manage compliance, and streamline property management. With up-to-date advice, digital documentation, and support tailored to the latest regulations, Skribes ensures you’re never left navigating the rental landscape alone. Want help turning new legal obligations into straightforward, stress-free processes? Discover how Skribes can support you here.
Ultimately, this legislation seeks to professionalise the rental market. It encourages better practice, improves transparency, and provides clearer rules for everyone involved. By rebalancing the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords, the bill has the potential to create a more stable, fair, and functional private rented sector for the future. As it moves towards becoming law, its implementation will be watched closely by millions across the UK.