The Renters’ Rights Bill has now received Royal Assent and has become an Act of Parliament. This represents the most significant reform of the private rented sector in a generation. Below is a clear breakdown of what this means and what happens next.

What is changing?

The new law will introduce:

  • A new standard form of tenancy for private renting
  • A Decent Homes Standard and updated safety and hazard requirements
  • New rules on advertising and letting practices
  • Limits on rent in advance
  • The removal of Section 21 notices
  • Updated Section 8 grounds for possession
  • New rules on rent increases
  • A compulsory landlord database and Ombudsman registration
  • Increased enforcement powers, penalties and new offences for non-compliance

When will changes happen?

Implementation will take place in stages. The Government will shortly confirm the dates that different parts of the Act come into force. We expect landlords and tenants to be given a notice period to prepare.

Some local authority enforcement powers will begin within two months. Major tenancy reforms will follow once commencement dates are confirmed. These include:

  • Abolition of Section 21
  • Most tenancies becoming periodic by default
  • Written tenancy agreements becoming a legal requirement
  • Restrictions on rent in advance and bans on bidding wars
  • Revised rules governing rent increases

What landlords need to do

To prepare, landlords should ensure:

  • All property compliance obligations are fully met
  • All documentation is up to date and accessible
  • Referencing processes are reviewed
  • Agents (where used) are ready for the changes

Existing tenancies

  • Assured shorthold tenancies will automatically convert to periodic
  • A written tenancy agreement must be provided if one is not already in place
  • Landlords will be required to issue information to tenants about the new rules within one month of the commencement date
  • Any current notices served under previous legislation will only remain valid for a limited period

New tenancies

  • All new tenancy agreements and documents must comply with the updated legal requirements once confirmed

Further reforms

Some areas will require additional legislation and will be introduced later, including:

  • The private rented sector database
  • Mandatory landlord registration with the Ombudsman
  • Full introduction of the Decent Homes Standard
  • New legal requirements around damp and mould treatment

Stronger enforcement

Local authorities will gain powers to:

  • Require documentary proof of compliance
  • Enter business premises or rented property in certain cases
  • Apply higher civil penalties, up to £40,000
  • Issue rent repayment orders covering up to two years of rent

Ensuring full compliance and retaining accurate documentation will be more important than ever.

We are here to help! This legislation is substantial and will impact the way the sector operates. Our trained sales teams are available to guide landlords through the government’s changes and provide support on what action is required.

For further information, please contact one of our offices:

Venture Residential – Luton

01582 249155

Beasley and Partners – Woburn Sands & Milton Keynes

01908 282820

Stimpsons Eves – Bedford

01234 341311 (Commercial only)

MK Property – Milton Keynes

01908 373580