Renters' Rights Bill 🏡 Landlord Update Bulletin – May 2025

Renters' Rights Bill

🏡 Landlord Update Bulletin – May 2025

📅 Renters’ Rights Bill: What’s Happening and What It Means for You

 

Dear Valued Client

The Renters’ Rights Bill continues to move through Parliament, with detailed review (Committee Stage) taking place in the House of Lords until 14^th May 2025. Additional discussion dates are set for 6^th May 2025 and 12^th May 2025, though they may not all be used. Once the Lords complete their review, the Bill is expected to return to the Commons for final agreement—well before the MPs’ summer recess on 22^nd July 2025.

Key Amendments Under Discussion

Supported by the National Residential Landlords Association, the following landlord-focused amendments are under review:

• Use of the student possession ground across all student properties—not just HMOs
• Introduction of a minimum six-month tenancy period
• Improvements to the rent increase process, with VOA screening of unjustified disputes
• Protection if a tenant fails to pay initial rent after signing
• A formal review of the Bill’s impact on the private rented sector

However, even if passed in the Lords, these changes must still be approved by the Commons.

⚖ What the Bill Means for you

If passed without amendments, the Bill will bring significant changes to how you operate. These include:

• Abolition of Section 21: No-fault evictions will end. Repossession will rely on updated, clear legal grounds such as rent arrears or tenant misconduct.
• Open-Ended Tenancies: Fixed-term contracts will be replaced by periodic (rolling) tenancies.
• Rent Increases: Limited to once annually with stronger tenant protections and challenge mechanisms.
• New Obligations: All landlords must join a Private Renters’ Ombudsman and register their properties on a new digital Property Portal.
• Higher Standards: The Decent Homes Standard will apply to all private rentals, meaning stricter enforcement of safety and condition requirements.

As the number 1 sales and lettings agent in Huddersfield  we can assist in handling  this compliance, from registration to dispute resolution support.

❓ Your Most Asked Questions – Answered

Q: Should I sell my rental before the Bill passes?
A: No need—demand remains strong, and good tenants still make for a profitable investment, we also are promoting our rent guarantee packages.

Q: Without Section 21, can I still reclaim my property?
A: Yes. Clear possession grounds and structured procedures are being introduced.

Q: Will I lose control over who I let to?
A: No. You can still select tenants appropriately and advertise with reasonable restrictions (e.g., “no pets”).

Q: Will tenants have more power to challenge disrepair?
A: Yes, and this protects good landlords by holding all standards to account.

Q: Are fixed-term tenancies ending?
A: Yes. All new tenancies will be periodic, providing flexibility and fewer costly voids.

Q: Will evictions be harder?
A: Not if you're compliant. The system will support fair, justified evictions.

Q: Could I be fined for mistakes?
A: Only if unaware. Stay informed, work with a professional agent, and you're covered.

Q: Can I still say no to pets?
A: Yes. You can advertise as “no pets,” require insurance, or decline if your lease restricts animals.

🛠 What You Should Do Now

• Talk to us about rent guarantee screening policies and compliance support
• Stay connected—we’ll keep you informed on the Bill’s progress and final wording

📞 Have Questions? Need Help? Whitegates  are fully prepared for these upcoming changes and are here to guide you through them. Our experienced team will ensure you remain compliant while protecting your investment. By partnering with us, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your property is in expert hands. Our flexible letting services are designed to keep you compliant with all new regulations, safeguarding your investment and simplifying the process. We are here to support you through every legislative change. Contact us to discuss how we can assist you.

We look forward to continuing to support you, for more information, please visit: https://www.whitegates.co.uk/landlords/letting-compliance/ Bill: What’s Happening and What It Means for You