The Latest September Updates
The Renters’ Rights Bill is now in its final parliamentary stages, with the House of Commons and House of Lords “ping-ponging” the legislation back and forth to iron out technical amendments.
This is a positive sign, indicating that the Bill is on the cusp of receiving Royal Assent and becoming law. A key date was 8th September, when the House of Commons considered amendments from the Lords, moving the process a significant step closer to completion.
While the precise date of Royal Assent remains subject to parliamentary business, the core elements of the Bill are confirmed and will fundamentally reshape the rental landscape. For landlords, this means the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions is imminent. Instead, all new tenancies will become periodic tenancies, and landlords will need to use valid grounds for possession under an updated Section 8 eviction.
Furthermore, the new legislation introduces stricter rules on rent increases, which will be limited to once a year and subject to greater oversight. Tenants can challenge excessive rises. There are also new obligations for landlords, including mandatory registration on a national Property Portal and stricter enforcement of property standards.
Landlords will also need to be prepared for the enhanced tenant right to request to keep a pet, which cannot be unreasonably refused. These changes collectively demand that landlords prepare for a new era of professional, well-documented, and compliant property management.
What This Means for Landlords Preparing for the New Era
The Bill’s passage means landlords must move from understanding the legislation to actively preparing for its impact. The new framework will demand greater diligence and a more professional approach to property management. The move to periodic tenancies and the abolition of Section 21 will require you to rely on new grounds for possession under an updated Section 8, making diligent record-keeping of tenant conduct more critical than ever.
Immediate Actions (September – December 2025)
- Review your tenancies: Check which properties are on fixed-term agreements and consider how they will convert to periodic tenancies once the law is enacted.
- Re-evaluate your strategy: If you have been planning to regain possession using Section 21, you must now act quickly as the notice may not be valid once the Bill is in force.
- Budget for compliance: Prepare for new costs, including registration on the upcoming Property Portal and potential property upgrades to meet the new Decent Homes Standard.
This preparation phase is vital to ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential fines or legal challenges for non-compliance.
Key Concerns Raised by Landlords
The upcoming legislation has understandably raised significant concerns among landlords, with some reports suggesting that as many as 39% are considering leaving the rental market completely. While this figure highlights the anxiety surrounding the new rules, it is crucial to look beyond the headlines. The primary worry for many is the abolition of Section 21 and the potential for lengthier, more complex eviction processes. Landlords fear a loss of control and increased costs.
However, research provides a more nuanced picture. Most landlords (71%) have never used a Section 21 notice to evict a tenant, and most maintain long-term tenancies. This suggests that their day-to-day operations will not be dramatically altered for many. Furthermore, over half (54%) of landlords have not increased rent in the past year for existing tenants, demonstrating that many already operate with a focus on stable, positive relationships.
The Bill intends not to punish good landlords, but to provide clearer rules for all. The new framework, including the Property Portal and strengthened standards, aims to professionalise the sector. While some initial costs may be unavoidable, such as for energy efficiency upgrades to meet EPC regulations, these will ultimately lead to higher-quality, more desirable properties, which can help to attract and retain tenants in the long term.
How Landlords Can Prepare
As the Renters’ Rights Bill edges closer to becoming law, landlords must act now. The final stages of the Bill’s journey through Parliament signal that new responsibilities are imminent.
Instead of viewing these changes as a threat, professional landlords can see them as an opportunity to secure a competitive advantage in a consolidating market.
Immediate Actions (September – December 2025)
Take this time to review your current portfolio. Check your tenancy agreements and prepare for a future where periodic ones replace fixed-term tenancies. If you are considering a Section 21 eviction, be aware that you have a narrow window to act before this process is abolished. This is also the time to budget for upcoming costs, such as registration on the new Property Portal and any necessary upgrades to meet the new property standards.
Long-Term Preparation (2026 and beyond)
Once the Bill is enacted, all new tenancies will be periodic from day one, and existing fixed-term tenancies will convert when they expire. Successful landlords will focus on retaining tenants by providing excellent service and a well-maintained property. This new landscape will reward those who prioritise compliance and strong tenant relationships. For added peace of mind, consider working with a professional property management company that can help you navigate the new legal landscape, ensuring your properties remain compliant and profitable.
Conclusion
The Renters’ Rights Bill represents the most significant change to the private rental sector in decades. While the uncertainty of the parliamentary “ping-pong” has been challenging, September’s updates signal that we are now on the cusp of having the final legislation, with Royal Assent expected as early as late October.
Landlords who have been proactively preparing for these changes are best positioned to succeed. The new framework will reward professionalism and diligence, creating a more stable and high-quality market. While some sceptical landlords may exit, this presents an opportunity for those who stay in the industry to benefit from less competition and a stronger focus on quality tenant retention.
At Crown Luxury Homes, we have been preparing for these changes for months. Our investment-focused approach, technology-driven processes, and personal touch ensure our landlords are well-positioned for success under the new regime. We can assist you in managing these final steps with confidence, from updating your tenancy agreements to ensuring full compliance with the new Property Portal and changes to the property possession grounds.
Don’t wait for the Bill to become law. The time to act is now. Working with a trusted partner such as Crown Luxury Homes can turn a period of uncertainty into an opportunity to strengthen your property investment and secure your peace of mind.
