The Renters' Rights Bill: Everything Landlords Need to Know in 2025

What Is the Renters' Rights Bill?

The Renters' Rights Bill is landmark legislation moving through Parliament that will fundamentally change how the private rental sector operates across England. It builds on years of proposed reform and is expected to receive Royal Assent in late 2025 or early 2026, though landlords should begin preparing now.

At Silks Estates, we've been closely tracking every stage of this legislation since it was introduced. This guide cuts through the complexity and gives you a clear, practical picture of what's changing and — crucially — what you need to do about it.

Section 21 Is Being Abolished

This is the headline change and the one with the most immediate impact for landlords. Section 21 — the so-called "no-fault" eviction route — will be removed entirely. Once the Bill becomes law, you will no longer be able to end a tenancy simply by serving a Section 21 notice without giving a reason.

In its place, the Section 8 possession grounds are being expanded and strengthened. New mandatory grounds are being introduced that will allow landlords to repossess where:

• The landlord genuinely wants to sell the property
• The landlord or a close family member wants to move in
• The tenant has accrued significant rent arrears
• The tenant has engaged in anti-social behaviour

The key shift is that landlords must now cite and evidence one of these grounds. Good documentation throughout the tenancy becomes more important than ever.

Periodic Tenancies Only

Fixed-term tenancies will be abolished. All tenancies will become open-ended periodic agreements from day one — meaning there is no fixed end date. Tenants can give two months' notice to leave at any time. Landlords can only seek possession via valid Section 8 grounds.

For landlords, this means the lease structure you've relied on changes significantly. A well-drafted periodic tenancy agreement — with clear terms for maintenance obligations, rent reviews, and conduct — becomes essential protection.

Landlord Register and Ombudsman

Every private landlord in England will be required to join a new national Landlord Register. Failure to register will be a criminal offence. Additionally, all landlords must join a compulsory Redress Scheme (ombudsman), giving tenants a formal route to raise complaints.

1. Register with the national landlord database before letting or continuing to let your property
2. Join the mandatory redress scheme — details of approved providers will be published on commencement
3. Display your registration number on all tenancy agreements and advertising

Fines for non-registration can reach £40,000. Local authorities will have enforcement powers to inspect and penalise unregistered landlords.

Decent Homes Standard Extended to Private Rentals

The Decent Homes Standard — previously applicable only to social housing — will be extended to the private rental sector. Your property must meet minimum standards on structural integrity, heating, insulation, sanitation, and safety. Properties failing the standard will be subject to enforcement notices and, ultimately, civil penalties.

What Should Landlords Do Right Now?

The single most important thing you can do is get a compliance check carried out by a professional letting agent before the Bill commences. At Silks Estates, we offer a free compliance review of your portfolio — checking your tenancy agreements, safety certificates, deposit protection, and property condition against the incoming requirements.

Beyond that, here's a practical checklist:

• Review and update your tenancy agreements with a solicitor or professional agent
• Ensure all gas safety, EPC, and EICR certificates are current and on file
• Set up a clear rent arrears tracking process — you'll need evidence for Section 8 claims
• Plan your portfolio exit strategy if you intend to sell any properties in the next two years
• Speak to your letting agent about switching to a full management service — the new obligations make self-management considerably more complex