MPs concluded the final parliamentary stage of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 yesterday and clearing the way for Royal Assent.
Once enacted, the Act will mark the most sweeping reform of the private rented sector in England since the Housing Act 1988.
In Wednesday’s half-hour debate, housing minister Matthew Pennycook (main picture, inset) hailed the reforms as a “transformational piece of legislation”.
“It will ensure that we can drive up the quality of private rented housing so that renters have access to good quality and safe homes as a matter of course and it will allow us to crackdown on the minority of unscrupulous landlords.”
FAR REACHING CHANGES
The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to bring in far-reaching changes: the abolition of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies, the end of “no-fault” evictions under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, the conversion of all tenancies into periodic tenancies, tighter controls on rent increases and the introduction of a new ombudsman and registration regime for landlords.
However, the government has yet to publish dates for each tranche of the reforms.
That implementation will be via secondary legislation, and “sufficient notice” will be given to industry to allow for a smooth transition.
Industry reaction has been a mix of relief and concern with letting agents and landlords are being urged to begin auditing tenancy agreements and management processes.
CLEAR STEP FORWARD
Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive of Propertymark, says: “The conclusion of [the] debate marks another clear step forward for the Renters’ Rights legislation and brings us closer to the most significant reform of the private rented sector in England in decades.
“While there are still important details to be finalised, it’s now beyond doubt that major change is coming.
“Letting agents and landlords must begin preparing now. Delaying action risks being left behind when the legislation takes effect.
“Propertymark continues to call for clear guidance, realistic timelines, and workable solutions that recognise the operational realities of agents and landlords alike.”
And he added: “We are committed to helping the sector navigate these reforms through our national Renters’ Rights Roadshow, which begins next month. These free, in-person events are a vital opportunity for agents to hear directly from experts, ask questions, and ensure they’re ready to support their clients through the transition.”
PROTRACTED PROCESS
Marc von Grundherr, Director of London estate agent Benham and Reeves, says: “The Renters’ Rights Bill has been a painfully protracted process for everyone involved and, during this time, the nation’s landlords have been left wondering where they stand and what the future might hold for their investments.
“At least we now seem to be heading towards some greater certainty, with MPs having voted the bill through parliament and it now heading for Royal Assent.
“However, it’s likely to be many months still until the turbulence of this transition period subsides and the lettings sector can move forward with confidence.”
POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Sian Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, adds: “The latest step towards Royal Assent should be viewed as a positive development for the rental sector, if only because it brings us one step closer to certainty in a process that has been anything but straightforward.
“Clarity and consistency are essential for all parties operating within the rental market, and this milestone means we can now move from conjecture to implementation after months of political ping pong.
“Whilst this certainly won’t reduce the burden facing many landlords, it will at least allow them to start getting their house in order – that is if they don’t decide to exit altogether.”
LITTLE WILL CHANGE FOR PROFESSIONALS
Sam Humphreys, Head of M&A at Dwelly, says: “Landlords won’t welcome the news that the bill has now been voted through, but they’ve grown used to the Government’s continued tirade where rental sector reforms are concerned.
“For the professional landlord, the reality is that very little will change. They already provide quality accommodation that is fit for purpose and have the necessary processes and resources in place to traverse the changing face of the sector.
“Let’s just hope the Government finally decides to stop waging war on those who provide the vital homes needed to meet the huge demand for rental properties across the nation.”
