The long-anticipated Renters Rights Bill has now passed its final stage in Parliament and is awaiting Royal Assent, expected later this month. This marks the most significant shake-up of the private rented sector in decades, and landlords across Essex and Suffolk should start preparing now.

What the Bill Means for Local Landlords

The Bill introduces sweeping reforms that will affect every landlord, from Colchester to Chelmsford, Sudbury, Kelvedon to Frinton-on-Sea. Among the most notable changes are:

• The abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions, meaning landlords will need clear grounds to regain possession of their property.
• All tenancies becoming periodic, removing fixed-term agreements in favour of ongoing tenancies that continue until either party gives notice.
• The introduction of a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, designed to provide tenants with an independent route to resolve disputes.
• The extension of the Decent Homes Standard to private rented homes, ensuring all rental properties meet a defined level of quality and safety.

These measures are expected to come into force between April and June 2026, although the government has yet to confirm exact implementation dates.

Recent Amendment: Shared Ownership Exemption

In a final amendment, the government agreed to exempt some shared ownership properties from certain restrictions within the Bill. Normally, landlords would be unable to evict tenants to sell or move in during the first 12 months of a tenancy, but this amendment allows flexibility for shared owners who have made genuine efforts to sell.

This change recognises the unique challenges facing shared ownership sellers and aims to ensure fairness across different ownership models.

What Should Landlords in Essex and Suffolk Do Now?

With the Renters Rights Bill soon to become law, now is the time for landlords to:

• Review tenancy agreements and ensure they’ll be compliant under the new rules.
• Assess property standards against the forthcoming Decent Homes criteria.
• Plan for operational changes such as periodic tenancies and deposit handling.
• Seek professional advice on how best to manage transitions.

Boydens: Here to Guide You Through the Change

At Boydens, we’ve been helping landlords across Essex and Suffolk navigate change since 1966. Our local lettings experts in Colchester, Chelmsford, Sudbury, Kelvedon and Frinton are already preparing for the new legislation, ensuring our clients remain compliant, protected, and profitable.

Whether you own one property or an entire portfolio, we’ll help you understand what the Renters Rights Bill means for you, and ensure your investments are ready for the future.

📞 Contact your local Boydens branch today for a confidential chat with our lettings specialists. We’ll help you stay compliant, protect your income, and make the transition as smooth as possible.

👉 Visit boydens.co.uk/contact to get started.