After months of debate and amendment, the Renters’ Rights Bill is now in its final stages. The Bill is due back in the House of Commons for approval on Wednesday, where MPs are expected to agree on the final wording. Once approved, the Bill will go to the King for Royal Assent, a step expected to happen almost immediately, officially making it law.

What Happened in the House of Lords?

Earlier this week, the House of Lords considered a number of proposed changes to the Bill but ultimately voted against several measures that would have provided more balance between tenant and landlord rights. Among the proposals rejected were:

• Reducing the “no re-let” period from 12 months to 6 months after a landlord evicts a tenant to sell the property. This means landlords will still face a 12-month restriction before they can re-let, to prevent potential misuse of the selling ground.
• Extending student tenancy grounds to include one- and two-bedroom homes, a move that could have forced postgraduate and mature students to move out at the end of each academic year.
• Allowing landlords to take an additional pet deposit. The Lords agreed that the existing five weeks’ rent limit remains sufficient to cover potential pet-related damage.
• Introducing a possession ground for carers. This proposal, which would have allowed landlords to evict tenants to house a carer, was rejected over concerns it could be open to abuse.

What Happens Next?

The Government has yet to confirm when the various elements of the Bill will come into effect. It’s likely that tenancy reforms will be prioritised first, with other measures, such as the creation of a landlord database and a new rental ombudsman, to follow later, once the necessary infrastructure is in place.

Our Advice for Landlords

This Bill represents one of the most significant overhauls of rental law in recent years, and understandably, many landlords are feeling uncertain about what comes next. At Boydens, we’re keeping a close eye on every development so we can continue to guide our clients through these changes with clarity and confidence.

If you’re a landlord and concerned about how the Renters’ Rights Bill could affect your property or your current tenancies, our experienced lettings team is here to help.

👉 Contact your local Boydens branch today for expert, practical advice on how to stay compliant and protect your investment.