The Renters’ Rights Bill is a major reform of the private rented sector in England, aiming to improve tenant protections and modernise rental legislation. It is currently in its final parliamentary stages and is expected to receive Royal Assent before the end of the year.

Key Proposed Changes:

• End of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – landlords must use valid legal grounds under Section 8.
• All tenancies to become periodic – fixed-term contracts (AST’s) will be abolished.
• Rent increases limited to once per year – tenants can challenge increases via tribunal.
• Ban on rental bidding – landlords must advertise a fixed rent and cannot accept higher offers.
• New PRS database & Ombudsman – landlords must register properties and resolve disputes through an independent body.
• Tenants’ right to request pets – landlords must consider requests and cannot refuse unreasonably.
• Decent Homes Standard – extended to private rentals to improve housing quality.
• Restrictions on rent in advance – capped at one month’s rent

To find out more information and keep up to date with the progress, please see the below sources:

• NRLA Renters’ Rights Bill Hub – National Residential Landlords Association’s overview and updates.
• The Independent Landlord – 12 Key Provisions Guide – Suzanne Smith’s practical breakdown of the Bill.
• Written Evidence from The Independent Landlord – Suzanne Smith’s submission to the Public Bill Committee.
• Eastern Landlords Association – RRB Update – Insights from ELA’s Q&A with Theresa Wallace and David Smith.