Renters’ Rights Reform 2025: What Landlords and Tenants Should Know
The rental landscape in England is poised for its most significant overhaul in decades. The legislation commonly referred to as the Renters’ Rights Bill (sometimes seen as the “Bill” or “Act” depending on its stage) is designed to reshape how the private rented sector operates — impacting both tenants and landlords alike.
What’s changing?
Here are the core reforms that the Bill introduces:
- The end of so-called “no-fault” evictions under Section 21 Housing Act 1988. Landlords will no longer be able to evict a tenant without giving a valid reason. Instead, possession must be sought on specified grounds (for example, arrears, anti-social behaviour, the landlord wishing to sell/move in).
- A move away from fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies towards periodic tenancies as the default model. This gives tenants greater flexibility and security of occupation.
- Limits on rent increases — landlords will be restricted to raising rent only once per year, and such increases will need to tie in with market rate and may be subject to challenge via a tribunal.
- A ban on rental bidding wars — tenants will no longer be pitted against each other in auctions for rent levels above the advertised rate.
- A requirement for stronger standards across the private rented sector: improved enforcement, an ombudsman service for disputes, a database of landlords/properties, plus protections against discrimination (for example tenants receiving benefits or with children).
Why it matters
For tenants, these reforms promise greater stability, transparency and protection. They should reduce the risk of being asked to leave on short notice without cause, of unpredictable rent hikes, and of unfair bidding practices.
For landlords and letting agents, the changes mean a very different operating environment: more oversight, new processes for possession, and potential additional costs or adjustments to business models. Some sector commentators warn that these reforms may lead to fewer landlords offering properties, and hence a tighter supply of rental homes.
What’s the status & next steps?
While the Bill has passed many of its legislative stages, the transition to full implementation will take time. Key points to note:
- The legislation is on its way to being law, having cleared major parliamentary hurdles.
- However, secondary legislation and commencement orders will determine when each part takes effect in practice. That means many of the reforms will not simply “flip on” overnight.
- Both landlords and tenants are advised to prepare now: review tenancy agreements, ensure compliance with relevant standards, familiarise themselves with the new grounds for possession and rent-increase rules, and monitor official government announcements.
How Finn’s 1865 can help
At Finn’s 1865, we’re committed to staying ahead of legislative change so our clients do not just react — they prepare and adapt. Whether you’re a tenant seeking clarity on your rights, or a landlord reviewing your portfolio, now is the time to engage with the implications of this reform.