The UK's Renters' Rights Bill (Renters Reform Bill) 2025, currently in the final stages of parliamentary approval, will introduce major changes to the private rental sector in England by abolishing 'no-fault' Section 21 evictions and converting all tenancies to a single, periodic model. The law is expected to receive Royal Assent in Autumn 2025, with full implementation likely in early 2026. 

This legislation was introduced by the new Labour government and builds on the Renters (Reform) Bill proposed by the previous Conservative administration. 

Key changes for tenants with the Renters Reform Bill:

• Abolition of Section 21 evictions:  A core part of the Renters Reform Bill is that Landlords will no longer be able to evict a tenant without a specific, legally valid reason. Instead, all evictions must be made under strengthened Section 8 grounds.
• Move to periodic tenancies: All assured shorthold tenancies will be replaced with a single, open-ended periodic tenancy. This eliminates fixed-term contracts and offers tenants greater security. Tenants can end their tenancy with two months' notice.
• Protection against discrimination: Landlords will be legally prohibited from imposing blanket bans on renting to families with children or to tenants who receive benefits.
• Ban on rental bidding wars: Landlords and agents must advertise properties with a fixed price and are not allowed to encourage or accept bids over the advertised rent.
• Right to request a pet: Tenants can request to have a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords may require pet insurance to cover potential damage.
• Decent Homes Standard: The private rented sector will be brought under the Decent Homes Standard, requiring all properties to be safe and in good repair. Landlords will be subject to Awaab's Law, which sets strict timelines for fixing hazards like damp and mould.
• Right to challenge rent increases: Rent increases will be limited to once per year. Tenants who believe a rent increase is above market rate can challenge it at a First-tier Tribunal.
• New Landlord Ombudsman: A new ombudsman will be created for the private rented sector to offer quicker and fairer resolution of disputes without going to court, another core part of the Renters Reform Bill.