Published: 27/10/2025
Renters' Rights Bill achieves Royal AssentMore than three years after first mooted, the Renters’ Rights Bill has now cleared its final hurdle and has received Royal Assent this afternoon. It is yet to be announced how long the implementation period will be but until now is has been our expectation the law will take effect some time between January and April 2026. The passing of the Renters’ Rights Bill marks a significant shift in the private rental sector, with the stated aim of strengthening tenants’ rights and security. It will bring in some important changes and landlords will need to be prepared in order to stay compliant and navigate their way through this new world. As experts in Lettings and Property Management, we are here to guide you through the changes and to ensure your property continues to perform while keeping you compliant.
We understand landlords will have lots of questions about the Bill. We hope the below Frequently Asked Questions will help.
An end to Assured Shorthold Tenancies?
Under the RRB landlords and tenants will no longer agree to fixed tenancy periods. Instead tenancies will automatically roll from month to month until the tenant gives notice to leave or the landlord regains possession based on one of the specific grounds set out in the Bill. These tenancies will be known as Assured Periodic Tenancies.
What security will tenants have?
For the first 12 months of any new tenancy, landlords will not be allowed to move back into the property nor sell the property, unless it is sold to another landlord who will continue the tenancy. Therefore, tenants will have a 12 month protected period (subject to not being in breach of tenancy of course). Tenants will be able to give 2 months' notice to end the tenancy at any point..
How can landlords regain possession of a property under the new rules?
The RRB will abolish Section 21 notices (also known as "no-fault evictions"). Landlords will need to use a Section 8 notice instead, citing a specific ground for possession, such as:
- The landlord (or their close family) wanting to move into the property.
- Intention to sell the property.
- Rental arrears or antisocial behaviour.
Can landlords increase rents under the new legislation?
Yes, landlords can propose an annual rent increase by serving a Section 13 notice. Any increase must reflect local market rates. As is currently the case, if a tenant believes the increase is above the market rate they can challenge it by applying to the First Tier Tribunal before the new rent takes effect, with the Tribunal making the final decision.
What about rental levels when advertising a property?
Landlords and agents will need to publish an asking rent for the property and will not be permitted to encourage or accept bids above the listed price.
What other changes are being made?
Landlords will not be allowed to reject tenants simply because they have children or receive benefits. However, tenants will need to pass referencing requirements, eg. affordability. The Bill also gives tenants the right to request permission to keep pets. While landlords can still refuse on reasonable grounds, blanket bans will no longer be allowed. Landlords will not be able to request payment of more than 1 month's rent in advance but will be able to request a suitable guarantor where a tenant cannot pass the standard referencing requirements.
What are the penalties for breaching the new legislation?
Non-compliance will result in fines, which are being increased:
- Up to £7,000 for minor or initial breaches.
- Up to £40,000 for repeated offences.
What will be the impact of the Renters Rights Bill in our area?
While these changes are significant and will require a detailed approach to manage, we feel the impact on the landlords in the City and surrounds will not be as dramatic as some have suggested. Typically the vast majority of tenants in our area are professionals who meet affordability requirements and who intend to rent a property for only around 1-3 years. These tenancies generally come to an end simply because the tenant moves for career reasons or because they then buy a property themselves. Therefore, the impact of the new restrictions on gaining possession is likely to be limited as generally landlords do not give notice to tenants unless they wish to sell, which is still of course permitted.
This information reflects our current interpretation of the Renters Rights Bill. We will release more updates as further guidelines are announced but if you have any queries about the Bill please contact us. We will be pleased to help.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, consult a solicitor.