24 FEB 2025 
10 MIN READ
What is the Renter's Right Bill?
The Renter’s Rights Bill, currently under consideration in Parliament, aims to bring about significant policy changes in the rental market, impacting both landlords and tenants. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it’s important to be aware of its content. This guide seeks to outline the key changes proposed by the bill, focusing on its impact on landlords and their responsibilities.
IMPORTANT
It’s important to remember that the bill is still in the early stages, therefore, the details are still relatively vague around timings and dates. For information, you can refer to the guide released by gov.uk on September 26th.
What is the renter's right bill?
A bill introduced by the new government that aims to make changes to the law associated with private renting. If approved, the Renter’s Rights Bill 2024 will change how landlords work within the private housing sector, with new rules around tenancy agreements, eviction notices and rent increases.
How are landlords impacted by the Renter’s Right Bill 2024?
As a landlord, it’s crucial that you’re aware of any upcoming changes if the Renter’s Right Bill becomes law. To stay compliant and avoid any penalties, you’ll need to update how you manage your rented properties. To make it easier to understand, the upcoming changes can be divided into four sections:
1
The proposed abolition of Section 21 Evictions
If the bill is passed, landlords will no longer be able to use Section 21 Notices for ‘no-fault’ evictions. The new bill aims to require landlords to have a valid reason, as determined by law, to terminate a tenancy and evict tenants. The definition of a valid reason for ending a tenancy is being expanded to include circumstances such as:
- The landlord’s intent to sell or redevelop the property
- The landlord’s intent to move into the property
- Breaches of tenancy, such as rent arrears
If Section 21 Evictions are abolished, landlords will only have the option to terminate tenancy agreements using Section 8.
2
Removal of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)
The Renter’s Rights Bill will get rid of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) and make all tenancies periodic, with a maximum rent period of one month. The new tenancies will be called “Section 4A assured tenancies” under the Bill.
3
Proposed changes to rent increase rules
The upcoming bill introduces new regulations around rent increases. Under these rules, landlords will only be permitted to raise rent once per year to the market rate by serving tenants a Section 13 notice, and providing a clear two months’ notice of the change. Tenants will have the right to challenge any rent increase which they consider unfair or exceeding the market rate through a tribunal.
4
Introducing A Decent Homes Standard
The Renters’ Rights Bill 2024 includes the introduction of a Decent Homes Standard (DHS) for the private rented sector, setting out clear living condition standards for all tenants. Landlords whose rented properties are deemed sub-standard may face prosecution and penalties. Additionally, the bill aims to extend obligations for mould and damp removal to private landlords through Awaab’s Law, inspired by the tragic case of Awaab Ishak, and will establish clear timeframes for addressing serious health and safety hazards in rental properties.
If landlords fail to adhere to these requirements, tenants can make a complaint through the courts which may result in legal action.
What happened to the Renter’s Reform Bill?
The Renter’s Rights Bill 2024 represents an amended version of the previous government’s Renter’s Reform Bill, which did not progress through the parliamentary stages before the last general election.
What is the difference between the renter’s rights bill and the renter’s reform bill?
The Renter’s Rights Bill and the Renter’s Reform Bill both aim to make changes to policies in the private renting sector around housing legislation. However, what sets them apart and where do they overlap?
| Areas of shared policy focus: | Renter’s Rights Bill | Renter’s Reform Bill |
| Strengthening rights and protections for renters |
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| Tackling challenges within the rental housing market |
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| Enhancing experiences for both landlords and tenants |
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| Influencing affordability, quality, and security of rental housing |
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| Enhancing experiences for both landlords and tenants |
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| The allowance of pets as part of a tenancy agreement |
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Not without court reform |
FAQs
When will the Renter’s Right Bill become law?
The Renter’s Rights Bill and the Renter’s Reform Bill both aim to make changes to policies in the private renting sector around housing legislation. However, what sets them apart and where do they overlap?
What is the parliamentary process for passing new bills in the UK?
First Reading:
There is no debate at this stage.
Second Reading:
Members of Parliament (MPs) discuss and debate the main principles of the bill.
A vote is taken at the end of the debate.
Committee Stage:
The bill is examined in detail, covering each clause before the scheduling of the bill. It’s at this stage that any changes (classed as amendments) to the bill would take place.
Report Stage:
During this period, MPs have the chance to make any further changes.
Third Reading:
This is the final opportunity for MPs to debate the contents of the bill before a vote is cast.
House of Lords:
Readings and committee stages take place like above. It’s at this point that Lords can make any suggestions for change.
Consideration of Amendments:
Both Houses must agree on the final version of the bill.
Royal Assent:
If both Houses agree on the final text, the bill is then sent to the reigning monarch for royal assent. Only once this has been does the bill becomes law.
How does this affect tenants?
The Renter’s Rights Bill has the potential to enhance protection and security for tenants, particularly in terms of eviction procedures, rent increases, and living conditions.
What is the latest update on the Renter’s Right Bill 2024?
The bill will progress through the appropriate stages as outlined, to stay ahead of any updates you can follow its journey through the House of Commons library.
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