Renters' Rights Bill – June 2025 Update: What’s Changing and When?

As promised in the Labour election campaign, big changes are coming to the rental sector in England. The Renters’ Rights Bill, aimed at strengthening tenant protections and raising standards in the private rented sector (PRS), is now in its final stages of becoming law.There has been a lot of worry and trepidation on what the practical impact will be from the bill and the market is holding its breath on what eventually makes it to law.

As we make our way through June 2025 the bill is passing through the House of Lords and has entered into he Report Stage where it will be debated again in July.

See below our update on where is it up to in the legislative process, what the main items in the bill and some key dates to watch out for.

Where is the Bill up to now in Parliament?

Currently making its way through the two chambers of parliament, the Renters' Rights Bill has completed its Committee Stage in the House of Lords (as of 15 May 2025). The next phase is the Report Stage, which begins on 1 July, with further discussions scheduled for 7 and 15 July.

After that, it will move to a Third Reading in the Lords and then return to the House of Commons for any final amendments. If all goes to plan, the Bill could receive Royal Assent (final approval) by late July or early September 2025.

With recent events in the world there could be some other distractions for the MPs and push this to a post summer recess conclusion.

When is likely to come into practice and be followed?

While Royal Assent is expected could be given if the House of Commons can push it through before summer recess (22nd July), the actual implementation of the Bill’s provisions will likely be staggered. Most sources anticipate enforcement starting between October 2025 and January 2026.

This gives landlords and letting agents a short window to prepare for what will be some of the biggest changes to rental law in decades. There will also have to be a lot of work done on the legal side as the courts and other enforcement areas could see a noticeable increase in activity.

This might be a case of the law being ready before the practical side being set up. The government may wish to avoid a botched roll out and ensure everything is in place before a full roll out.

Key Changes Coming in the Renters’ Rights Bill

Here are the major reforms that will come into force once the Bill becomes law:

1. Abolition of Section 21

• Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a legal reason.
• All evictions must now go through Section 8 with valid grounds.

2. All Tenancies Become Periodic

• Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced with rolling contracts.
• Tenants can give two months’ notice to leave at any time.

3. Rent Increase Controls

• Landlords can only increase rent once per year, with two months’ notice.
• Tenants will have the right to challenge excessive increases via tribunal.

4. Ban on Rent Bidding

• Landlords and letting agents must advertise a set rent.
• Bidding wars between tenants will no longer be allowed.

5. Decent Homes Standard Extended to PRS

• Properties must meet a legal minimum standard of quality.
• Includes safety, repair, and liveability measures.
• Supported by Awaab’s Law, requiring landlords to act quickly on health hazards.

6. New Tenant Rights

• Tenants will have a right to request a pet, which landlords can only refuse on reasonable grounds.
• A landlord ombudsman and a national landlord register will be introduced to improve accountability.

7. Strengthened Section 8 Grounds

• To balance the end of Section 21, Section 8 grounds for possession will be expanded and clarified—especially for cases like rent arrears or selling a property.

What Are the Concerns from Landlords about the Bill?

The main concern from landlord groups and legal experts is court capacity.
Without Section 21, more eviction cases will go through the courts which are already facing delays. Current estimates suggest it could take 6 months or more to regain possession, even with valid grounds. This will lead to higher standards by landlords on who they rent their properties to which will not be good for rent prices and tenants.

There are also questions about the staggered rollout, including when exactly each part of the Bill will come into effect. These details are likely to be confirmed later in 2025, once Royal Assent is secured. This relies on the government being able to balance all parties and capabilities during roll out which will certainly be a challenge when implementing such a change.

Final Thoughts

The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to transform the rental landscape in England. With Royal Assent expected soon and major reforms on the horizon, both landlords and tenants should start preparing now.

Key dates to watch:

• 1 July 2025: Report Stage begins in the House of Lords
• Late July / Early September: Likely Royal Assent
• Oct 2025 – Jan 2026: Staggered implementation starts

Keep checking back for our monthly updates to ensure your prepared as the changes become law.