The Renters’ Reform Bill is currently going through various stages in the House of Commons, the Government is looking to bring it in to force in late 2025 and this will change the way that the England’s Private Rental Sector works. 

This proposed new bill will affect both Landlords and Tenants alike, with more stringent guidelines around property standards and rent increases. 

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government hope that the bill will improve the current private rental system for both the 11 million renters and 2.3 million landlords in England. The key changes look to be being implemented are shown below:

1. Ending ‘No Fault Evictions’
   Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a valid and legal ground for possession.  To end a tenancy, Landlords must be able to provide a specific reason such as; rent arrears or breach of contract.  The UK Government are hoping that this will provide tenants with greater security and stability whilst reducing the number of ‘illegal’ evictions.  Landlords must, as with the current system, go to court in the event a tenant does not leave after receiving notice, during the court procedure the Landlord must be able to provide evidence that the grounds for possession are met.  For mandatory grounds, the courts must award possession to the Landlord if the ground is proven.  For discretionary grounds, the court may consider if the eviction is reasonable.  
   
   The Renters' Rights Bill will abolish the use of Section 21 Notices, meaning that Landlords must instead use the Section 8 Grounds for Possession, which are specific circumstances allowing the Landlord to regain possession of their property.  This means that Landlords can enjoy robust grounds for possession, the Landlord will only be required to take the matter to the Courts should the Tenant fail to leave the property at the end of the prescribed notice period.

2. Transition to Periodic Tenancies
   The Renters’ Reform Bill will see the end of fixed-term assured tenancies, instead all tenancies will be periodic, with tenants being required to provide their Landlord 2 months notice of their intention to leave the property.
    
3. Rent Increases
   All future rent increases in the private rental sector will be made using the same process.  Landlords will be able to apply a rent increase one per year, in line with the market rate, the price that would be achieved if the property was to be newly advertised to let.  In order to apply this rental increase, a Section 13 Notice must be served, setting out the new rent and providing the tenants at least 2 months notice of the change.

These are the proposals laid out as on July 2025, and may be subject to change.  To read the full Guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill, please click here.