🏡 What Landlords Need to Know About the Renters Reform Bill (2025 Update)

The Renters Reform Bill is one of the biggest overhauls to the private rental sector in decades, aiming to create a fairer balance between landlords and tenants. With Royal Assent expected in mid-2025 and phased implementation likely from late 2025 onwards, it’s essential that landlords understand what’s coming—and how to prepare.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know:

🔄 Abolition of Section 21 “No-Fault” Evictions

One of the headline changes is the removal of Section 21, which currently allows landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason.

➡️ What this means:

• All evictions will need to use specific grounds under Section 8.

• These grounds include wanting to sell, moving back in, rent arrears, or breaches of tenancy.

📋 Strengthened Grounds for Possession

The government will expand and clarify the grounds under Section 8 to make them more workable for landlords.

➡️ Examples include:

• Repeated rent arrears (e.g. consistently more than 2 months in arrears over a 3-year period).

• Antisocial behaviour with a broader, more landlord-friendly definition.

• Selling the property (4-month notice, after first 12 months of tenancy).

• Moving back in (only for you or close family members).

📆 End of Fixed-Term Tenancies

All tenancies will become periodic by default (rolling monthly contracts), making it easier for tenants to leave—but also changing how landlords plan for re-lets or sales.

➡️ What this means:

• No more 6- or 12-month fixed terms.

• Tenants will be able to give 2 months' notice at any time.

• Landlords must use legitimate grounds to regain possession.

🐕 Pet Requests Cannot Be Unreasonably Refused

Tenants will gain the legal right to request to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably decline.

➡️ You’ll be allowed to require pet insurance or negotiate reasonable conditions.

🧑‍⚖️ New Property Ombudsman & Compliance Portal

All landlords will be required to:

• Register with a new digital Property Portal (to demonstrate compliance).

• Join a mandatory ombudsman scheme to resolve disputes with tenants without going to court.

➡️ These measures aim to improve accountability and reduce the need for litigation.

💡 How Should Landlords Prepare?

• Review your current tenancy agreements—periodic arrangements will soon be the norm.

• Understand the new Section 8 grounds thoroughly.

• Be ready for compliance obligations (registering and proving your property meets legal standards).

• Consider your long-term strategy for each rental—especially if you're thinking of selling or reoccupying.

• Keep open communication with tenants to foster cooperation through the transition.

📆 When Will the Bill Become Law?

• Expected Royal Assent: Summer 2025

• Likely implementation: Late 2025 in phased rollouts

• You’ll get at least 6 months' notice before changes apply.

🤝 Need Help Navigating These Changes?

We’re here to support you. Whether you’re reviewing your tenancies or planning a sale, we can help you stay compliant and strategic.