Renters’ Rights Act Becomes Law!

 

 

The Renters’ Rights Bill has officially become law, bringing the biggest overhaul to the private rented sector in nearly 40 years. 

 

Discover what the new Renters’ Rights Act means for landlords, key reforms, and how to prepare for the changes. 

 

 

The long-debated Renters’ Rights Bill has officially become law after receiving Royal Assent from King Charles, marking one of the most significant shake-ups of the private rented sector (PRS) in nearly four decades. 

 

Now enshrined as the Renters’ Rights Act, the new law will bring sweeping changes to how landlords manage their tenancies, from evictions and rent increases to property standards and the right to keep pets. 

 

According to the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), the focus must now turn to ensuring these reforms are implemented fairly, proportionately, and with clarity for landlords and tenants alike. 

 

 

It’s been almost two years since former Housing Secretary Michael Gove first announced his ambition to reform the private rented sector. Those proposals stalled during the final months of the Rishi Sunak government, but Labour’s version of the Bill, similar in scope, has progressed quickly through Parliament, supported by the party’s large majority. 

 

Following Royal Assent, the Act will soon be formally read in the House of Lords, with MPs present. 

 

Once this is completed, the government will begin the process of amending secondary legislation and regulations needed to bring the new measures into force. 

 

 

In response to the news, Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, welcomed the Act but warned the government against hasty or poorly managed implementation. 

 

“After years of debate and uncertainty, today marks an important milestone for the private rented sector. With the Renters’ Rights Act on the statute book, the sector needs certainty about the way forward,” Beadle said. “This is the most significant shake-up of the rental market in almost 40 years, and it is imperative that the new systems work for both tenants and responsible landlords.” Beadle emphasised that landlords and letting agents need at least six months’ notice before the new rules take effect, particularly to prepare for the student rental market ahead of the next academic year. 

 

He also urged the government to ensure reforms don’t exacerbate the rental supply crisis by discouraging investment in much-needed homes to rent: 

 

“The Government must recognise the vital importance of a thriving private rented sector, not only to meet tenant demand but to support the national economy,” he added. “Reforms must be realistic, proportionate, and deliverable, with ongoing monitoring of their impact.” 

 

 

 

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces wide-ranging reforms that will fundamentally change the relationship between landlords, tenants, and letting agents. 

 

Below are the most significant updates landlords should prepare for: 

 

 

Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 is abolished. Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a stated legal reason, bringing an end to so-called “no-fault” evictions. 

 

 

All tenancies will convert to open-ended periodic agreements, replacing fixed-term contracts. 

 

Tenants can give two months’ notice to leave, while landlords will need to rely on specific legal grounds for possession. 

 

 

Landlords and letting agents will be prohibited from inviting or accepting offers above the advertised rent, a move designed to prevent competitive bidding. 

 

 

Rents can only be increased once per year, and landlords must give at least two months’ notice. 

 

Tenants will also have the right to challenge unfair increases via a tribunal. 

 

 

Landlords will be banned from rejecting tenants because they have children or receive housing benefits, extending equal opportunity protections in the rental market. 

 

 

For the first time, the Decent Homes Standard, previously applied only to social housing, will apply to the private rented sector. 

 

This ensures all rental properties meet minimum quality and safety standards. 

 

 

A new national register of landlords and their properties will be established. 

 

The database aims to improve transparency, help tenants identify legitimate landlords, and strengthen enforcement against rogue operators. 

 

 

Tenants will gain the legal right to request a pet in their rental property. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse, although they will be allowed to require tenants to obtain pet insurance to cover potential damage. 

 

 

While the Renters’ Rights Act is now law, its implementation dates have yet to be confirmed. These are expected to be announced soon, along with secondary legislation that will detail how the rules will work in practice. 

 

 

Although exact timelines are pending, landlords can take practical steps to prepare for the upcoming transition: 

 

• Review tenancy agreements to plan for conversion to periodic tenancies. 

• Assess property standards to ensure compliance with the Decent Homes Standard. 

• Stay informed through industry and government announcements. 

• Seek professional advice or training on the new possession grounds and notice procedures. 

• Arrange rental income protection strategies to protect the property business against defaulting tenants and unpaid rent 

• Update communication policies around rent reviews and tenant requests. 

 

Proactive preparation will help avoid disruption and ensure a smooth transition once the new regulations take effect. 

 

 

The Renters’ Rights Act is the most comprehensive reform of the private rented sector in decades. Its success will depend on how effectively the government collaborates with landlords, agents, and tenant groups to make the system fair and workable. 

 

For responsible landlords, this is not just a compliance challenge but also an opportunity to professionalise operations, strengthen tenant relationships, and demonstrate high standards of management. 

 

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