The Renters’ Rights Bill will transform the social housing sector with a set of new regulations landlords will need to follow. It’s important you understand these changes and prepare for the Bill, which is expected to pass in the autumn.
Currently in its final consideration for amendments stage before making the Royal Assent, the Bill will become law soon, and preparing now gives you the best opportunity to manage the changes that are coming.
What changes will pass through the Renters’ Rights Bill?
The Bill will see no-fault evictions abolished. You will need to provide concrete reasoning for reclaiming your property and removing tenants. You will need to keep a record of the process and any breaches, such as rent records and warnings.
You should be documenting all activities and any breaches, such as rent arrears. This will help enhance your position if you are in a situation where you need to reclaim your property.
Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies are also being removed as part of the new regulations. It will be replaced by a single tenancy model that will be simpler for you and your tenants to understand, but will change how notice and certainty periods work, as tenant notice rights will form part of the new model.
There are also new rules for rent increases and rental bidding wars. You are likely to face rent increase restrictions, being limited to one increase a year, and your tenants will have the power to challenge this if the increase is substantially high. You will not be allowed to instigate bidding wars under the new laws. A rent price must be documented and available to all interested parties.
Preparation is key, and you can start putting measures in place, such as gathering all your documents, including tenancy agreements, and analysing these ahead of time. Prepare yourself for what needs to change and implement it straight away. In addition to this, you should ensure all your records are organised and up to date.
Failing to follow and implement the new laws has consequences. You run the serious risk of financial fines and criminal charges, leaving your reputation in tatters with damage difficult to repair.
Are further law changes on the horizon?
It is expected to be a very busy period for social housing landlords who will need to quickly grasp the new regulations coming into place. As well as the Renters’ Rights Bill, Awaab’s Law, which are new regulations focused on serious hazards and tenant safety, has already been passed and will come into effect from October.
These new regulations will transform the private housing sector, and it’s crucial you know your legal obligations, given there will be lots of changes in a short period. While they are separate sets of regulations, both are focused on social housing landlords ensuring their tenants have a fair deal and a comfortable, safe home to live in.
Inspecting and reviewing your property will also allow you to see what potential repair works need to be undertaken. Spot signs of damp and mould, check heating, water systems, and electricity systems to ensure everything is functioning as it should be.
It is also worth having a budget in place to ensure you can complete any repair work in good time. You should also speak with legal experts who can provide you with advice and support to ensure you understand the Renters’ Rights Bill before it passes.
Legal experts are ready to help
The pressure is about to increase, and you need to quickly grasp the new laws. Failing to do so has serious consequences. We provide comprehensive advice and support to social housing landlords. Do not ignore your legal obligations; the new laws are imminent, and we can support you through the changes.
Get in touch to start planning for the Renters’ Rights Bill.
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The content of this article is for general information only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. If you require any further information in relation to this article please contact the author in the first instance. Law covered as at September 2025.