If you’ve ever been evicted for no reason or got sick of having your rent put up, you’ll be glad the Renters’ Rights Bill has finally passed through parliament.
It’s the biggest shake up of UK tenancy laws for decades. And it’s stirred up a lot of debate.
But what, exactly, are the changes? And what might they mean for you? Here’s a quick rundown.
‘No fault’ evictions chucked out
This is the big one. The Renters’ Rights Bill says landlords can no longer use a ‘Section 21’ notice to evict you without giving a valid reason.
So, you shouldn’t be thrown out unfairly. For example, if you’ve complained about something and your landlord decides you’re too much trouble.
To help landlords, the government is introducing clear and broader rules so they can reclaim their properties when they really need to.
But you’ll be given more time to find a new roof over your head when this happens.
No more fixed-term tenancies. Period.
The government has decided that all tenancies should be ‘periodic’. This is another word for a ‘rolling’ contract where tenancies roll on without a fixed term.
Want to move out? You just need to give 2 months’ notice. But it’s not so simple for landlords that want to end a tenancy.
If they evict you because they’re selling up or moving in themselves, they’ll need to give you 4 months’ notice.
What’s more, your landlord won’t be able to ask you to leave in the first year of the tenancy – as long as you’ve done nothing wrong.
New minimum standards for rental homes
Heard of the Decent Homes Standard? It sets minimum standards for social housing to make sure it’s in ‘a reasonable state of repair’, has ‘reasonable facilities’, and gives ‘a reasonable degree of comfort’. In other words, it’s all very, well, reasonable.
The thing is, the Decent Homes Standard didn’t apply to privately rented homes. That’s something the Renters’ Rights Bill is changing. So, your rented home should be safe, secure and hazard free.
The government has also created something called Awaab’s law – a rule named after Awaab Ishak, a 2-year-old who died from inhaling mould spores in his socially rented home in 2020. The new law means landlords need to deal with hazards like damp asap.
Tenants’ rights strengthened
If you’re tired of your rent going up time and again, this one’s for you.
The Renters’ Rights Bill will give tenants the power to challenge rent rises through a tribunal. This is especially helpful if you think your landlord is using rent hikes to force you out.
The new laws will also stop landlords and agents from accepting offers above the advertised rent. This should crack down on bidding wars - competitions that push rents upwards and leave many tenants down in the dumps.
A new digital database
Applying to rent a property can feel a bit unfair sometimes. You have to give landlords a reference, but they don’t need to give you one in return.
This is where the Renters’ Rights Bill should help too. The government wants to create a digital database where you can find information on landlords. So, you’ll know if the person you’re renting from has had a banning order, fine or other penalty.
There will be no escaping the database, either. Landlords won’t even be allowed to advertise a rental home unless they’re registered.
But these changes should also have benefits for landlords too. It will explain their responsibilities and show their home complies with all the rules.
Local councils could also use the database to track local tenants and take action against people who break the rules.
A ban on bans
The new laws should also stop landlords banning families and tenants on benefits. This is because the government wants to make sure nobody is denied a home when they need it.
The Renters’ Rights Bill will also take the lead on pets. Every tenant will have the right to ask for a pet. And your landlord won’t be able to unreasonably refuse.
What ultimately counts as ‘unreasonable’ could be up to the new ombudsman (more about them later). But if your Great Dane decides to eat the carpet, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to foot the bill.
Disputes settled faster
You know what’s not in dispute? The fact that tenant versus landlord disagreements can be tricky.
That’s why the government wants to set up a new ombudsman to settle disputes quickly and cheaply.
An Ombudsman is someone who investigates and settles complaints. So, if you’re frustrated with your landlord about something, it should be easier to get a fair solution without going to court.
The Renters’ Rights Bill should also make it easier for local councils to spot bad landlords. It will give them new powers to investigate rogues, fine them, and ban them.
So, when will these changes start to make a difference?
That’s the million-dollar question. The bill has passed through parliament, but it will take time for all these new rules to be introduced.
Fixed-term tenancies and section 21 evictions should be abolished in 2026. But the government wants to prepare landlords and tenants for all the changes. So, brace yourself for an ‘implementation period’ where the rules get phased in gradually.
In the meantime, just feel reassured that change is finally happening. It’ll strengthen your rights and give you extra protections.
In other words, the Renters’ Rights Bill should make you feel more at home.
This content was accurate when published on 04/11/2025.
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