After nearly six years of discussion, the Renters' Rights Bill (RRB) is finally on the cusp of becoming law.
It reached the report stage in the House of Lords on July 1st, just ahead of the House of Commons’ Summer Recess on July 22nd.
These dates are important milestones, as the next step is for the House of Commons to agree to the bill at its third reading before it returns to the Lords for final approval.
Once both houses agree, the bill will receive Royal Assent and become the Renters' Rights Act.
Valerie Bannister, National Property Director at LSL estate agency explains how we are preparing for the Renters' Rights Bill:
At Reeds Rains we are preparing for a go live implementation from 1st October , which may even drift into early 2026. The passage of the Bill has slowed somewhat and there is a very limited timeframe now between 1st July and Summer Recess on 22nd July.
We are working behind the scenes in getting prepared for the implementation date . We will keep all our Landlords and Tenants informed with guidance once we have clarity on the implementation date.”
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Has the Renters' Rights Bill changed?
No major changes have been made to the Bill in recent months. Although the House of Lords has proposed hundreds of amendments, none have been accepted so far.
The bill remains largely as reported earlier this year, and the key changes for landlords and tenants are unchanged.
Could the Renters' Rights Bill be delayed?
At this stage, there is little that could delay the Bill’s progress. The only potential hold-up would be if the bill moves back and forth between the House of Lords and the House of Commons, but parliament has the power to limit any prolonged delays.
8 things landlords should do now
With the Renters' Rights Bill set to become law, it’s important to start preparing. Here are our top recommendations:
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Stay informed: Read our guide on the Renters' Rights Bill and keep an eye on your inbox for updates.
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Communicate with tenants: If you self-manage, let your tenants know about changes to their tenancy agreement using a prescribed letter.
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Check with lenders and insurers: Confirm with your mortgage and insurance providers that your property will be covered under the new legislation.
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Review rent levels: If you haven’t reviewed your rents recently, consider whether now is the right time to issue a S13 Notice or speak to us for advice on current market rents.
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Section 21 notices: Be aware that you cannot issue new Section 21 notices after the Bill receives Royal Assent, unless you have already served them.
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Notice periods and re-letting: If you plan to regain possession to sell or for family use, you’ll need to give your tenant four months’ notice, and you won’t be able to re-let the property for 12 months after serving notice.
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Health and safety compliance: Make sure your property meets all current letting health and safety requirements.
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Check your tenancy agreements: The Renters Rights Bill applies to Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) only, so ensure your agreements are up to date and compliant.
If you use our Fully Managed service, we’ll handle the transition for you and your tenants, ensuring you stay compliant with the new rules.
For landlords who self-manage, it’s essential to understand the new requirements and make any necessary changes to your processes and paperwork.
If you need advice or a lettings review, we’re here to help. Our team is ready to guide you through the changes, answer your questions, and make sure your property continues to be let safely and legally under the new law.
The Reeds Rains Content Marketing Team
