Renters’ Rights Bill 2025
What does it mean for landlords and tenants?
Almost one in five people in England rent their home from a private landlord. The government’s plans to update the law for the private rental market involve far-reaching reform of the private rental sector, including banning section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and improving the energy efficiency of homes. The Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to come into force in late summer/early autumn this year. Here is what the proposed changes will mean for both landlords and tenants.
Abolition of Section 21
The abolition of Section 21, commonly known as “no-fault” evictions. As it stands, landlords can issue tenants with a Section 21 notice that gives them a two-month notice period to leave the property without having to give a reason. With no section 21 to fall back on, a landlord would still be able to serve a section 8 notice to evict tenants who breach their tenancy agreement, typically if they do not pay the rent on time, damage or sublet the property, or engage in antisocial behaviour.
The prescribed grounds for possession will be updated to include mandatory grounds if a landlord wants to sell or move back in. In these cases landlords will be required to give 4 months’ notice, and that notice cannot expire sooner than 12 months from the start date of the tenancy.
No more bidding wars and in-tenancy rent increases
Landlords and letting agents will be legally required to publish an asking rent and they will be banned from asking for, encouraging, or accepting any bids above that price. Huge demand for private rented homes has led to bidding wars among tenants, which many campaigners blame for driving up prices.
Landlords cannot discriminate against people with children, or those receiving benefits.
Tenants will be able to serve 2 months’ notice (or less if agreed otherwise) in writing to end their tenancy from the start of their tenancy. If one tenant gives notice to leave, they are binding all tenants to that notice.
Tenants will have the right to request a pet. A landlord will not be able to unreasonably refuse such a request.
Improving the quality of privately rented homes
Two social housing regulations will be applied to privately rented homes for the first time: the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law (named after Awaab Ishak, the two-year-old boy who died in 2020 because his family’s social landlord ignored damp and mould in their home). This means landlords will have to ensure their properties meet certain standards and they will have to investigate hazards that are reported within 14 days, or face a fine starting at £7000.
Local authorities’ enforcement powers are to be strengthened and extended. Civil penalties will increase to up to £7,000 for initial or minor non-compliance, and up to £40,000 for repeat offences. Rent Repayment Orders could be demanded on some of the new offences, with penalties being increased from 12 to 24 months’ rent.
Landlords will have to sign up to a Landlord Redress Scheme before the property is marketed. This will allow tenants to seek redress against landlords and is expected to be cheaper and quicker than going through the court system. Landlords will also need to sign up to a PRS database, registering themselves and their property before the property is marketed.
Private rental properties will also have to meet minimum energy efficiency standards (an EPC rating of C or better) by 2030, but more detail will be released after further consultation.
Here to help
Michael Graham Lettings have been looking after your rental properties for over 50 years, allowing you peace of mind that your asset is in the best possible hands. If you are a landlord or tenant with any queries about the information above, or a more general lettings enquiry, please contact our Lettings Director Caroline Hughes caroline.hughes@michaelgraham.co.uk, or our Lettings Area Partner Charlie Spalding charles.spalding@michaelgraham.co.uk and they will be delighted to answer any questions or concerns.
