The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to return to the House of Commons tomorrow, Wednesday 22nd October, for its final review before moving forward to receive Royal Assent. This marks one of the last steps before the Bill officially becomes law.
The government has confirmed that any remaining details or issues will be addressed during this final stage in Parliament. Once the Commons gives its approval, the Bill can proceed to the King for Royal Assent — a formality that could happen almost immediately. However, officials have not yet provided a specific timeline for when the legislation will officially take effect.
Despite efforts to introduce last-minute changes, the House of Lords was unable to secure any further amendments to the Bill. This means that the legislation will move forward largely unchanged from its current form.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has previously stated that the government intends for the Renters’ Rights Bill to receive Royal Assent as quickly as possible. He also emphasised that both landlords and tenants will be given adequate notice before the new regulations are implemented.
According to the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), the government’s earlier statements suggest that tenancy reform will be among the first measures to take effect. This will be followed by the introduction of new systems, such as a national landlord database and a formal Ombudsman service, at later stages.
The NRLA has also urged that landlords should be given at least six months to prepare for the new rules once a start date is confirmed. This is to ensure a smooth transition and to allow landlords time to adapt to the changes.
As it currently stands, the Renters’ Rights Bill will pass without significant modifications. Peers in the Lords attempted to propose new adjustments, but none were accepted, leaving the core elements of the legislation intact.
One of the most notable reforms is the planned abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions. This change means that landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a valid reason, offering greater security for renters across England.
In addition, fixed-term tenancies will be replaced by periodic ones, giving tenants more flexibility to move when necessary without being tied to long contracts. This aims to balance renters’ freedom with landlords’ ability to manage their properties effectively.
Another major aspect of the Bill concerns pets in rented homes. Landlords will no longer be able to refuse a tenant’s reasonable request to keep a pet without good cause. This shift is seen as a win for tenants who have long campaigned for fairer pet ownership rights.
However, a proposed amendment that would have allowed landlords to request a separate pet damage deposit — equivalent to up to three weeks’ rent — was rejected by the House of Lords. This means the current deposit cap remains unchanged, covering all potential damages.
The government hopes that these reforms will create a fairer and more transparent rental system, protecting both tenants’ rights and landlords’ responsibilities.
Supporters of the Bill argue that it represents a major step towards improving housing standards and reducing instability in the private rental sector. They believe it will foster greater trust between landlords and tenants.
Landlord groups, however, have warned that some measures could discourage investment in rental housing, particularly if additional regulations are introduced too quickly. Many are calling for clearer guidance and phased implementation to avoid unintended consequences.
Overall, the Renters’ Rights Bill is now on the brink of becoming law, with final approval expected shortly. Once enacted, it will reshape the private rental landscape in England, bringing in some of the most significant housing reforms seen in recent years.
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