The new law bans no-fault evictions and introduces a series of measures aimed at strengthening protections for the country’s 11 million tenants. According to the government, the reforms are designed to “rebalance” the relationship between renters and the 2.3 million landlords operating in the sector.
Among the key changes:
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Tenants will gain the right to end their tenancy with two months’ notice.
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Local authorities will receive enhanced powers to enforce housing standards.
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The Decent Homes Standard will apply to private rentals for the first time, aligning them with social housing benchmarks.
Landlord groups and buy-to-let lenders are urging the government to delay implementation of the new Renters’ Rights legislation, calling for a six-month grace period. They argue the reforms must “work for both tenants and responsible landlords.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the law’s passage, stating: “For too long millions of renters have lived at the mercy of rogue landlords or insecure contracts, with their futures hanging in the balance. We’re putting an end to that.”
Details on how the reforms will be phased in are expected from the housing department over “the coming weeks.”
Additional reforms introduced under the new law include:
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Establishing a dedicated Private Rented Sector Ombudsman to deliver binding decisions on tenant complaints, offering a faster route to resolution without the need for court action.
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Launching a national database to support landlords in meeting legal standards and proving compliance with housing regulations.
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Prohibiting rental bidding, ensuring landlords and agents cannot accept offers above the listed rent price.
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Making it unlawful to reject prospective tenants based on their receipt of benefits or the fact they have children.
A spokesperson for a trade association, says: “This is the most significant shake-up of the rental market in almost 40 years, and it is imperative that the new systems work for both tenants and responsible landlords.
“At a minimum, the sector needs six months’ notice before implementation to ensure a smooth and seamless transition, and the government must provide certainty on this as soon as possible.”
Advertised rental prices have climbed to new highs across England, with homes outside London now averaging £1,385 per month — a 3.1% increase compared to last year, according to the latest figures from Rightmove.
In the capital, rents have also surged, reaching a record £2,736 per month, up 1.6% year-on-year.
While the number of available rental properties has grown by 9% since this time last year, Rightmove notes that supply remains significantly constrained — still 23% below pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019.
The spokesperson for the trade association, says: “It is essential that the government’s reforms do not worsen the supply crisis by discouraging long-term investment in the homes to rent that so many rely on.”
A senior mortgage director has urged the government to delay key rental reforms, recommending “at least six months” before phasing in periodic tenancies and abolishing Section 21 evictions.
And adds: “A clear, well-communicated timeline for commencement is essential, providing landlords, letting agents and the broader sector with sufficient time to understand and adapt to the changes.
“A rushed or fragmented rollout risks undermining confidence and could lead to a contraction in supply at a time when demand for rental homes remains high.”
The Law Society has voiced support for the newly passed legislation, while calling on the government to strengthen court capacity in anticipation of a likely surge in disputes between tenants and landlords.
President of the Law Society says: “For this Act to be successful, the government must now invest in the courts to ensure they can handle the expected rise in contested hearings.
“Court reform and modernisation are crucial if the Renters’ Rights Act is to help both tenants and landlords.”
An estate and lettings agent spokesperson notes that the new legislation represents just one element of a broader shift in the property investment landscape.
She claims: “Tax policy, energy efficiency requirements, and interest rates all continue to shape landlord confidence and investment decisions.”