Renters’ Rights Bill expected to become law Spring 2025

The Renters’ Rights Bill (formerly known as The Renters Reform Bill) is expected to become law in Spring 2025. It will abolish Section 21 evictions and introduce a single system of periodic tenancies and is designed to deliver “long overdue” reforms to the Private Rental Sector. Its primary goal is to give tenants more security to stay in their homes and more freedom to leave substandard properties.

Key points of the Bill so far:

· Abolish fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) – as a result, all tenancies will become periodic, meaning a rolling tenancy with no specific end date.

· Rent increases will be limited to once a year, with Section 13 notices being the only way for landlords to raise the rent.

· Section 21 evictions will be abolished, so landlords will no longer be able to serve “no-fault” notices to regain possession of their properties.

· Section 8 possession grounds will be expanded, with the Government adding and updating both mandatory and discretionary grounds due to the abolition of Section 21. This will include the landlord being able to seek possession if a member of their family is moving into the property.

· Rental bidding wars will be banned, with landlords and agents unable to accept offers above the advertised price.

· A landlord ombudsman will be introduced to help resolve disputes between landlords and tenants impartially. Landlords will contribute to a national database, with fees directly funding the ombudsman.

· A private rented sector database will be created to compile information about landlords and properties, providing visibility on compliance. A landlord and managing agent’s name, address, and contact details will be included, as well as enforcement action taken against them and previous eviction notices served to tenants.

· The Decent Homes Standard will be applied to all rental properties, so they must meet minimum quality standards.

· Discrimination will be prohibited; landlords will not be able to refuse tenants on benefits or those with children or pets, although landlords can insist on an insurance policy to cover potential pet damage.

· Rent advances will be limited; landlords will be banned from charging more than one month’s rent upfront, and students can no longer be locked into rental agreements more than six months in advance.

· Protection will be provided for bereaved guarantors, who will no longer be liable for rent payments following the death of a tenant.