The Renters’ Rights Bill, a major piece of legislation to reshape the private rented sector in England, is moving closer to becoming law following a series of amendments backed by the House of Lords.
The Bill, which has been progressing through Westminster over the past year, reflects Labour’s long-standing commitment to overhaul the rental market.
It proposes a series of sweeping changes aimed at strengthening tenant protections and raising standards across the sector.
Among its most notable measures is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, which would significantly shift the balance of power between landlords and tenants.
SIMPLIFYING THE PROCESS
The legislation also includes provisions to simplify the process for tenants wishing to keep pets, the removal of fixed-term tenancies in favour of open-ended agreements, and new mechanisms designed to improve and enforce minimum property standards.
Policymakers have stressed the need for the Bill to be both ambitious and enforceable, ensuring that reforms are not only well-intentioned but also measurable and practically deliverable.
However, questions remain over how some of the proposals will be implemented.
COURT CAPACITY
Concerns have been raised over the capacity of the court system to handle an expected increase in possession claims once Section 21 is abolished.
Without additional funding and support, there are fears that the existing legal infrastructure will struggle to cope, potentially creating delays and inefficiencies.
Local enforcement has also emerged as a key issue. Without enhanced powers and resources for local authorities, it is unlikely that many of the intended benefits of the reforms will be realised. Stakeholders continue to call for a robust enforcement strategy and meaningful investment to ensure compliance with the new regulatory framework.
CHANGE IN FOCUS
As the legislation continues its path towards the statute books, the focus is now shifting to how these reforms will be delivered in practice – and whether they can simultaneously protect tenants, support responsible landlords, and sustain future investment in the sector.
FULL SCRUTINY
Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive of Propertymark, says: “As the Renters’ Rights Bill continues to edge closer to becoming law, it’s right that the House of Lords bring full scrutiny to the many amendments proposed.
“From the outset, the sheer complexity involved in creating a balanced piece of legislation to serve both tenants and landlords fairly should not be underestimated.
“The Bill will represent some of the biggest evolutions seen within the rental sector in over thirty years, and it is encouraging to witness comprehensive discussion to help ensure the proposed legislation is fit for purpose and responsive to future needs.”
WORKABLE BALANCE
And he adds: “It must strike a workable balance between tenant needs, ensuring landlords are supported in their ambition to provide high-quality properties, and the need to encourage future investment in building sustainable housing to keep pace with ever-increasing demand.”
