After years of anticipation, the long-awaited Renters’ Rights Bill has finally received Royal Assent, marking one of the most significant overhauls of the private rental sector in decades. First promised in 2019 and delayed through successive governments, Labour’s new version of the legislation promises to “level the playing field” between landlords and tenants and bring greater fairness, safety, and transparency to renting in England.

End of “No-Fault” Evictions

One of the headline reforms is the abolition of Section 21 evictions, meaning landlords will no longer be able to remove tenants without providing a valid reason. This change is designed to provide renters with greater security and peace of mind, especially for those concerned about retaliatory evictions after reporting maintenance issues. Landlords will still retain the right to reclaim their property for legitimate reasons, such as rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.

A New Tenancy System

Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced by periodic agreements, giving tenants flexibility to move by providing two months’ notice, while landlords will need to give four months if they intend to sell or move back in. Every renter will also benefit from a 12-month protected period at the start of their tenancy.

Safer and Fairer Homes

The Bill extends the Decent Homes Standard to the private sector for the first time, ensuring properties meet basic safety and quality benchmarks. Landlords who fail to address serious hazards could face fines of up to £7,000. In addition, a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will handle disputes quickly and fairly, helping both landlords and tenants resolve issues without lengthy legal processes.

Other Key Changes

  • Rent increases will be limited to once per year and must reflect market rates.

  • Bidding wars and excessive upfront rent payments will be banned.

  • Tenants will gain a stronger right to request pets, with landlords able to require pet insurance for peace of mind.

  • Discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits will be explicitly outlawed.

What Happens Next?

While the Bill has received Royal Assent, its commencement date — when the reforms will take effect — has yet to be announced.

At Adam Hayes Estate Agents, we’re closely monitoring these developments to support both landlords and tenants through this new chapter. If you have questions about how the Renters’ Rights Bill may affect your property or tenancy, our team is here to help you navigate the changes with confidence.