The Renters' Rights Bill: What You Need to Know

by Alice Pizzey

Announced by the Labour government and set to be introduced in late 2025, the Renters' Rights Bill is focused on improving security, rights, and protections for renters.

We recently surveyed over 6,500 renters and 39% said they hadn’t heard of the bill at all, and 34% had heard of it but didn’t know what it involved or how it might affect them.

So, we're here to break down the key points and explain how it could impact you, ensuring you're fully informed.

The Renters' Rights Bill will:

  • Abolish Section 21 'No-Fault' Evictions
    Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a legitimate reason, giving renters greater stability and protection in their homes.

  • Transition to Periodic Tenancies
    All fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies will be replaced by periodic (rolling) tenancies - giving tenants more control. Tenants can end the tenancy with two months' notice at any time.

  • Update Grounds for Eviction
    Landlords will rely on revised Section 8 grounds to regain possession, including:
    Landlord or family intending to occupy the property (after 12 months).
    Intention to sell the property (after 12 months).
    Redevelopment or demolition requiring vacant possession.
    Persistent rent arrears (tenant is at least three months in arrears).
    Persistent antisocial behaviour.
    Specific provisions for student tenancies in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

  • Stricter Rules on Rent Increases
    Rent increases are limited to once per year and must align with market rates and landlords must provide two months' notice for any rent increase. Tenants have the right to challenge increases through the First-tier Tribunal.

  • Prevent ‘Backdoor’ Evictions
    Landlords cannot use excessive rent increases to force tenants out. Tenants can appeal rent rises that appear to be above market rate and designed to drive them out unfairly.

  • Ban Rental Bidding Wars
    Landlords and letting agents are banned from encouraging or accepting rental bids above the advertised price.

  • Ban on Advance Rent Payments
    Landlords are prohibited from requiring more than one month's rent in advance. This aims to prevent exclusionary practices that disadvantage tenants unable to afford large upfront payments.

  • Right to Request a Pet
    Landlords must respond to pet requests and can’t unreasonably refuse.
    Landlords must reply within 28 days (or 35 if more info is needed)
    Refusals must have valid reasons (e.g. building restrictions)
    Landlords can require pet damage insurance

  • Minimum Housing Standards
    A new Decent Homes Standard will be introduced for the private rental sector to ensure homes are safe, secure, and free from serious hazards.

  • Awaab’s Law Applied to Rentals
    Landlords must fix serious issues like damp or mould within strict legal timeframes—or face consequences.

  • Ban Discrimination
    It will be illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants on the basis of receiving benefits or having children.

  • Right to Request Home Adaptations
    Tenants with disabilities can request reasonable adaptations to the property. Landlords must consider these requests and can only refuse on reasonable grounds. Tenants have the right to appeal a refusal.

  • Rent Repayment Orders
    Tenants can apply for Rent Repayment Orders if landlords commit certain offences, such as illegal evictions or failure to comply with housing standards.

  • Stronger Local Council Powers
    Councils will have enhanced powers to identify, investigate, and fine landlords who fail to comply with legal requirements.

  • A New Digital Rental Database
    A central hub for landlords and tenants to access verified information on legal rights, responsibilities, and property details. Landlords must be registered to use certain possession grounds, supporting local councils and ensuring compliance.

  • A New Housing Ombudsman
    A free, fair, and binding service to resolve disputes—aimed at reducing the burden on the court system.

The Renters' Rights Bill applies to tenancies only and is not applicable to owner-occupier landlords renting to lodgers.

For further information on upcoming changes, visit the Government's full guide to the Renters' Rights Bill.