The UK rental market is on the cusp of significant transformation. With the Labour government in power, the Renters’ Rights Bill is advancing through Parliament, aiming to reshape the private rented sector.
But where do you start, and what exactly should you be doing?
We’ve outlined the key actions landlords can take now to stay compliant and confident in the months ahead.
What Is the Renters’ Rights Bill?
Introduced in September 2024, the Renters’ Rights Bill seeks to enhance tenant protections and improve rental sector standards. As of May 2025, the bill has progressed through the committee stage in the House of Lords and is expected to move to the report stage in early June.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions: Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a valid reason.
- Transition to periodic tenancies: Fixed-term tenancy agreements will be replaced by rolling periodic tenancies.
- Revised grounds for possession under Section 8: Landlords must follow clear legal reasons to regain possession of their property.
- Introduction of a government Property Portal: Landlords will be required to register tenancies to improve transparency and regulation.
- Establishment of a housing ombudsman: A dedicated service will be available to resolve tenant complaints fairly and efficiently.
- Limits on rent increases: Rent rises will be capped to once every 12 months with mandatory notice periods.
- Implementation of Awaab’s Law: Landlords will be required to address hazards like damp and mould within specified timeframes.
Labour’s Housing Agenda: What Landlords Need to Know
The Labour government’s housing agenda focuses on creating a fairer rental market with emphasis on tenants. In addition to the Renters’ Rights Bill, landlords should anticipate:
- Expansion of landlord licensing schemes: More properties will be brought under regulation.
- Increased funding for local authority enforcement: To improve compliance and to ensure landlords uphold higher property standards.
- Stricter energy efficiency standards: Enhanced EPC requirements aiming for a minimum rating of C for rental properties by 2028.
These measures reflect a shift towards higher standards and greater tenant protections across the rental sector.
What Landlords Should Do Now
To prepare for these changes, landlords should:
- Review tenancy agreements: Ensure they reflect the move to periodic tenancies and comply with updated possession grounds.
- Understand the end of Section 21 evictions: Familiarise yourself with the new legal framework and valid grounds for possession under Section 8.
- Prepare to register with the Property Portal: Stay informed and ready to comply when the government portal launches.
- Improve property conditions: Address necessary repairs and upgrades to meet decent homes and energy efficiency standards.
- Review rent increase policies: Ensure rent increases align with the new once-a-year cap and proper notice requirements.
Hesitant to tackle the changes alone? Let Complete handle it — so you don’t have to.
At Complete, we’ve been guiding landlords through legislative changes for over a decade. Our expert team provides end-to-end property management services designed to keep you compliant and your tenants satisfied.
We can assist with:
- Updating tenancy agreements and advising on new legal requirements.
- Managing possession processes and eviction procedures legally and efficiently.
- Coordinating maintenance and ensuring properties meet evolving standards.
- Handling rent reviews and renewals in line with legislation.
- Keeping you informed with timely updates on changes in the property market.
- Offering a Rent Protection Service that gives landlords peace of mind by safeguarding rental income when tenants meet referencing criteria.
Let us take the complexity out of property management so you can focus on your investment.
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