Industry Update
Renters’ Rights Bill Update
Key Timelines & What’s Next
Jun 13, 2025
On 13 June 2025, Parliament confirmed that the House of Lords Report Stage of the Renters’ Rights Bill has been scheduled for 1 July, marking the next major step in the Bill’s progression.
Legislative Roadmap
Report Stage in the Lords:
Begins 1 July, with further sittings on 7 and 15 July
Third Reading:
Expected to take place in parallel or shortly after Report Stage (traditionally non-controversial).
Return to Commons & Royal Assent:
The Bill is set to return to the House of Commons and, barring major amendments, receive Royal Assent before the Commons recess on 22 July.
Will It Really Become Law This Summer?
There is some uncertainty:
With only a short window between the Lords sittings and Commons recess, it may miss Royal Assent before 22 July, meaning the Bill could instead become law in September, with implementation likely late 2025 or early 2026.
What the Bill Will Deliver
The Renters’ Rights Bill enacts broad reforms to the Private Rented Sector in England, intended to bring long-awaited stability and fairness to tenants:
Abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions – landlords must now evict only for valid reasons like rent arrears or contractual breaches.
Fixed-term tenancies replaced with periodic tenancies, giving tenants greater flexibility and ending fixed duration agreements.
Rent increase controls tightened – landlords may raise rent only once per year, must give two months’ notice, and justify any increase.
Ban on bidding wars – landlords and agents are prohibited from accepting offers above the advertised rent.
Decent Homes Standard implementation – all private rented homes must meet minimum quality and safety standards.
New protections around pets, benefits, and children, limiting discrimination and encouraging pet-friendly policies.
Private Rental Sector database & Ombudsman – landlords must register, and tenants will have access to impartial dispute resolution.
Implementation Timeline
Royal Assent: expected by late summer 2025 (July or September).
Commencement: anticipated 2+ months after Royal Assent, likely October 2025–January 2026.
What Happens Next
Final Lords debates (1st, 7th, 15th July) will determine any last-minute amendments.
Commons review follows, then Royal Assent, securing it as law.
Implementation phase begins a few months later, with tenants and landlords both expected to start seeing changes by late 2025.
What This Means for You
Letting Agents & Landlords: Prepare for major process shifts—no more fixed-term evictions, tighter rent control, and increased obligations on home standards, pet policies, and registration.
Tenants: Gain greater security and transparency—fairer eviction protections, predictable tenancy, regulated rent increases, rights around pets, and improved home quality.
Summary Table
Stage | Date | Notes |
Lords Report Stage | 1 July (plus 7,15) | Final peer scrutiny |
Commons Review | Post 15 July | Consideration before summer recess |
Royal Assent | Likely July–Sept | May slip to September |
Implementation | Oct 2025–Jan 2026 | Commencement expected in this window |
Final Take
The Renters’ Rights Bill is one of the most significant modern reforms to England’s private rental market. As it nears the final stages of the Lords process, it's essential to stay informed and prepared. With Royal Assent possible by July—though likely to slip to September—landlords and tenants should begin planning for the forthcoming changes. Keep an eye on our blog for updates as the Bill advances.
