Renters Rights Bill

Prepare for the New Changes !

✅ Landlords Must Prepare for the Renters Rights Bill to start from 27th December 2025

📌 Key Measures to Prepare For

Abolition of “no-fault” evictions under Housing Act 1988 section 21.
All new tenancies (and existing) to be periodic (rolling) rather than fixed-term.
Introduction of a new mandatory private rented sector database for landlords and properties. Approval Numbers must be in all adverts and all landlords must register- regardless of if they use an agent or not!
Creation of a new “Decent Homes Standard” for the private rented sector, raising minimum property condition expectations.
Stricter regulation of advertising/rent bidding, and stronger powers for enforcement by local authorities.
Changes to Rent Increases
Rent in Advance – Ban on accepting rent payments before the tenancy
Tougher restrictions on discrimination in letting (e.g., based on benefit receipt or children).
Private Rented Ombudsman – All landlords must join the scheme, regardless if they use an Agent. Annual charge per property applies.
Discrimination – Ban on NoDSS & restrictions on Children
Pets – landlord has to respond within 28days to a request & must not unreasonably refuse. Tenants can seek action through the landlord ombudsman scheme.
Councils have more powers to introduce enforcement

🛠 Actions for Landlords to Take Now

Review tenancy agreements
- Ensure any new agreement is compliant with the Bill’s move to periodic tenancies (or at least be ready to convert when required).
- Update standard forms and terms to reflect the abolition of section 21 notices.
- Ensure clarity in terms about notice periods (tenant giving notice; landlord possession grounds).
Audit your property portfolio
- Check each property meets high condition standards and spot any hazards or defects that might breach the new Decent Homes Standard.
- Ensure you have up-to-date safety certificates (gas, electrical) and documentation of property condition.
Update processes and documentation
- Register properties and yourself on the forthcoming Private Rented Sector database when live.
- Review how you advertise: avoid “bidding wars”, ensure clear indication of asking rent, remove discriminatory language (e.g., “No DSS”).
- Review any upfront charges, deposits, guarantor policies to ensure these will not conflict with new rules.
Communicate with tenants and letting agents
- If you use letting agents, check that their practices and templates are compliant.
- Inform tenants about any upcoming changes (e.g., transition from fixed-term to periodic) where relevant.
- Have a plan ready for how you respond to tenant requests for pets (as blanket bans may become harder to enforce).

Prepare for enforcement & penalties
- Be aware that non-compliance will carry heavier civil penalties, stricter enforcement by local councils.
- Keep thorough records of your compliance efforts (inspections, certifications, database registrations, correspondence) to evidence good practice.

📋 Specific Checklist Items to Tick Off

New or existing tenancy agreements updated/ready for conversion to periodic terms.
Section 21 notices eliminated from your standard possession process.
All properties audited for condition, hazards addressed, aligned to proposed Decent Homes Standard.
Properties and landlord information ready for registration on the mandated database and ombudsman schemes.
Advertising templates and policies reviewed (no bidding, no discrimination, transparent rent).
Deposit, upfront payment, guarantor arrangements reviewed for compliance.
Letting agent contracts reviewed (if applicable) to ensure they follow updated standards.
Tenant communications drafted/planned to cover upcoming changes and policy updates.
Compliance record-keeping system in place (certificates, inspections, correspondence).
Monitoring system for statutory changes (implementation date, transitional provisions).
make sure your system keeps an audit of all correspondence for protection and possession.