New Renters’ Rights Bill: What Tenants and Landlords Must Know in 2025

 
07/08/2025

If you're renting a home or letting one out, sweeping changes are coming to the private rental sector in England. The government is overhauling how renting works - with new rules designed to improve security for tenants and raise standards across the board.


What is the Renters’ Rights Bill? 

The Renters’ Rights Bill is the updated version of the Renters’ Reform Bill first introduced by the Conservative government in 2023. After Labour came to power in 2024, the bill was renamed and strengthened to reflect their broader commitment

to protecting tenant and raising housing standards.

 

While the original Renters’ Reform Bill proposed some key changes, like ending Section 21 evictions, Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill goes further, introducing tougher property standards, a national landlord register, stronger rent controls, and faster enforcement through an independent ombudsman. 


This is now the primary legislation shaping the future of private renting in England.

 

At PropHome, we wrote about the original proposals, but now that Labour has revised the bill, it’s essential to understand how the final version affects both tenants and landlords. 

  

When Will It Become Law?

At the time of writing (August 2025), the Renters’ Rights Bill is in the final stages of its journey through Parliament. It is expected to receive Royal Assent later this year, with most changes being rolled out in early to mid-2026.


We’ll be keeping all our tenants and landlords informed with regular updates once the full implementation timetable is confirmed. 

  

What Tenants Need to Know: Your Rights Are Changing

The Renters’ Rights Bill is designed to shift the balance of power in favour of tenants - offering more stability, better living conditions, and a stronger voice when things go wrong.


Here’s what it means for renters: 


1. Section 21 ‘No-Fault’ Evictions Are Ending 

  • Fixed-term contracts will be replaced with rolling periodic tenancies. 

  • Landlords will only be able to evict tenants using specific legal grounds, such as selling the property or proven rent arrears. 

  • You’ll also be protected from eviction in the first 12 months if your landlord wants to sell or move in. 

 

What this means: You’ll have more security and predictability - no more surprise eviction notices without explanation. 

  

2. Rent Increases Capped and Controlled 

  • Rent can only be increased once per year. 

  • You must receive at least two months’ notice of a rent increase. 

  • If you believe an increase is unfair, you’ll have the right to challenge it via a tribunal. 

 

What this means: You’ll be protected from sudden or excessive rent hikes, and have time to plan ahead. 

  

3. Ban on Bidding Wars & Advance Rent Limits 

  • Landlords will no longer be able to accept higher rent offers than advertised. 

  • Advance rent is capped at one month’s rent to prevent upfront affordability issues. 

 

What this means: Renting becomes fairer and more transparent, especially for those on tight budgets. 

  

4. Stronger Enforcement of Property Standards 

  • All homes must meet a new Decent Homes Standard, covering repairs, heating, insulation, and health hazards. 

  • Awaab’s Law will apply to the private sector - serious issues like mould must be resolved within strict timeframes. 

 

What this means: If your property is in poor condition, landlords will be legally required to act quickly. 

  

5. Landlord Registration & Ombudsman Scheme 

  • You will be able to check if your landlord is compliant via a national landlord register 

  • You’ll also be able to raise complaints through a new, independent Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, with binding decisions. 

 

What this means: You’ll have more transparency, plus a fair route to resolve disputes without going to court. 

  

6. Fairer Treatment for All Tenants 

  • Landlords will not be able to ban tenants with children or those on benefits. 

  • You can request to have a pet, and landlords can’t unreasonably refuse (although they can require insurance). 

 

What this means: A more inclusive rental market, and a fairer experience for renters of all backgrounds. 

  

What Landlords Need to Do: Compliance & Preparation

As landlords ourselves, we understand the challenges these reforms bring. But with the right steps, you can stay compliant, protect your investment, and build stronger tenancies.


Here’s what landlords should prepare for:


1. Eviction via Section 8 only – with clear, documented grounds 

  • Section 21 is being abolished, so you’ll need to rely on Section 8 grounds like rent arrears, breach of contract, or selling/moving in. 

  • Review your tenancy agreements and ensure your tenancy documentation is robust, and your processes align with the new legal grounds for possession. 

 

2. Annual, capped rent increases – with notice and justification 

  • You’ll only be able to increase rent once per year and must give at least two months’ written notice. Rent must reflect fair market rates. 

  • Update your rent review procedures and keep records of comparable rents to support any increases. 

 

3. Advance rent capped at one month – plan cashflow accordingly 

  • Landlords will no longer be able to request multiple months of rent upfront (except in rare, exempted cases). 

  • Adjust your policies for student or short-term lets, where large advance payments were previously common. 

 

4. Mandatory landlord registration & Ombudsman membership 

  • All landlords must join a new national register and Ombudsman scheme, or risk losing the right to legally evict tenants. 

  • Registration and Ombudsman membership will be mandatory – failure to comply means you cannot legally regain possession of your property. 

  • Begin gathering safety certificates, tenancy documents, and property details now to make registering easier. 

 

5. No discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children 

  • Discriminatory practices like "no DSS" or blanket bans on families will be illegal. 

  • Audit your advertising and tenant selection process to ensure full compliance with anti-discrimination rules. 

 

6. Property upgrades to meet Decent Homes Standard 

  • All rented homes must meet minimum standards for repair, safety, energy efficiency, and damp/mould prevention. 

  • Conduct a pre-emptive property health check on each property and budget for necessary improvements. 

 

7. Respond quickly to serious issues like mould – Awaab’s Law applies 

  • Landlords will face legal deadlines to fix hazardous conditions like mould and damp. 

  • Put clear maintenance systems in place and ensure contractors are available to handle urgent repairs. 

  

How PropHome Can Help 

At PropHome, we’re not just lettings experts - we’re landlords ourselves, so we get it. 


We’re committed to supporting you through these changes with: 

  • Clear, practical advice for landlords navigating compliance 

  • Honest guidance for tenants exercising new rights 

  • Regular updates and tailored help as the Bill progresses 

  • A hands-on property management service to take care of it all 

Whether you’re managing one property or a portfolio, we’re here to help you stay informed, protected, and compliant. 


Got Questions About the Renters’ Rights Bill? 

Whether you're a tenant trying to understand your rights, or a landlord unsure how to prepare, PropHome is here to support you. 

  • Reach out to us if you have questions 

  • Need a compliance check? We can help 

  • Want peace of mind? Let’s chat about management options 

Get in touch with PropHome. 

  

Final Thoughts

The Renters’ Rights Bill is going to bring a major shift in the UK rental sector. For tenants, it offers more rights and protections. For landlords, it introduces new responsibilities - but also encourages better, more sustainable tenancies.


At PropHome, we believe that a better rental market benefits everyone. And we’ll be here to keep you informed every step of the way. 

We’ll continue updating all our tenants and landlords as soon as the Bill becomes law and the rollout begins. 

 
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