How the Renters’ Rights Bill Will Change Landlord Responsibilities
With the Renters' Rights Bill edging closer to becoming law, private landlords and letting agents across England are facing the most significant reforms to tenancy law in decades.
Our experts have been following the Bill closely, sharing updates with clients, running seminars, and helping landlords understand how best to prepare for the changes ahead. If passed as expected in the coming months, the Bill will overhaul the private rented sector and redefine the landlord–tenant relationship for years to come.
What is changing and why it matters now
The Bill represents a marked shift in favour of tenant security, transparency, and regulatory oversight. Fixed-term tenancies and ‘no-fault’ Section 21 evictions are set to be abolished. Landlords will be expected to meet higher standards, offer more transparency around rents and bidding, and adapt to new responsibilities—from permitting tenants to keep pets to complying with a new Ombudsman scheme.
As our Dispute Resolution experts Conor Maher and Daniel Flynn emphasised in our recent seminar at West Hants Club in Bournemouth, preparation is key. The changes may not be law yet but waiting until the final stages of implementation could leave landlords exposed.
Conor Maher, Senior Associate Solicitor:
“The direction of reform is clear, this is not a time for a ‘wait and see’ approach. Landlords need to act now to understand what is coming and adapt their practices accordingly.”
Daniel Flynn, a Partner in our London office, echoed that message:
“Understanding the legal shifts early and adopting best practices in advance of the changes will help avoid disruption and mitigate legal risk.”
Key reforms to be aware of
Here is a snapshot of the major reforms on the horizon:
- End of fixed-term tenancies: All tenancies will become periodic, offering greater flexibility for tenants.
- Abolition of Section 21: ‘No-fault’ evictions will be scrapped, requiring landlords to use specific legal grounds to regain possession.
- Pet ownership: Landlords will be expected to allow tenants to keep pets, with only reasonable refusals permitted.
- Rent transparency and bidding rules: New measures aim to prevent bidding wars and unfair rent hikes.
- Extension of the decent homes standard: Private rentals must meet minimum quality standards currently applied to social housing.
- Rent in advance caps: Landlords will only be able to request one month’s rent in advance, plus a capped deposit.
- Ombudsman redress scheme: A new independent scheme will allow tenants to raise complaints without going to court.
Letting agents will soon also face additional scrutiny under updated Anti Money Laundering (AML) rules. From May 2025, agents must screen all parties against financial sanctions lists once an offer is accepted—before taking payments or signing contracts. Failure to comply carries significant penalties, including the risk of criminal prosecution.
Supporting landlords through change
Our specialist team is already advising landlords and agents on how to adjust policies, processes and tenancy agreements to align with the coming legislation.
At our recent seminar, we were joined by colleagues Matthew Clake (Partner) and John McCarthy (Senior Associate), who shared legal insights and practical strategies to help landlords adapt. The event concluded with a lively Q&A, where many attendees raised concerns about how the abolition of Section 21 might affect possession rights.
Daniel Flynn reassured attendees that, while the balance is shifting, landlords will still have legal mechanisms to retain control over their properties—provided they follow the right process:
“This is about being proactive. The new law doesn’t mean landlords lose all rights—it means those rights are exercised differently. Understanding that distinction is vital.”
Stay informed. Stay ahead.
As the Bill continues its passage through Parliament, we will be hosting further seminars and publishing guidance to help landlords and agents stay up to date and compliant.
If you would like to be notified about future events or need advice on how the Renters’ Rights Bill could impact your property interests, get in touch at events@ellisjones.co.uk.
The legal landscape is changing. We are here to help you navigate it with clarity and confidence. Get in touch with the team today on 01202 525333.
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