RENTERS' RIGHTS BILL SET TO BECOME LAW BY SPRING 2025
The Long Road to Reform: When Will the Renters' Rights Bill Finally Become Law?
After multiple iterations and years of promises, the Renters' Rights Bill is now on a fast track to becoming law, with implementation expected between April and summer 2025. The legislation, which will bring sweeping changes to the UK's private rental sector, is currently progressing through Parliament at a pace that suggests tenants and landlords should prepare for its enactment within months.
The bill successfully passed its Report Stage and Third Reading in the House of Commons on January 14, 2025, and has now moved to the House of Lords, where it had its First Reading on January 15, 2025. The government has prioritized the legislation, with the Housing Minister describing it as "crucial reform that has been delayed for far too long."
This timeline represents a significant acceleration compared to the previous government's Renters (Reform) Bill, which was introduced in May 2023 but failed to complete its parliamentary journey before the 2024 general election. The new bill builds upon its predecessor while introducing several key changes and clarifications.
The chart above illustrates the lengthy journey toward rental reform in the UK, highlighting how the current bill represents the culmination of promises dating back to 2019. While previous attempts stalled or failed to materialize, the current legislation has maintained momentum through Parliament.
Implementation Timeline
Once the bill receives Royal Assent, there will be a transition period before its provisions come into full effect. Unlike previous proposals, the current bill will implement changes for both new and existing tenancies simultaneously, rather than using a phased approach.
The Complete Timeline: A Six-Year Journey to Reform
Initial Promise
Then-Prime Minister Theresa May's government announces plans to abolish Section 21 "no-fault" evictions, beginning the reform journey.
Queen's Speech Commitment
The newly elected Conservative government commits to a "Renters' Reform Bill" in the Queen's Speech, reaffirming the intention to end Section 21 evictions.
Pandemic Delays
The COVID-19 pandemic shifts government priorities, leading to delays in the proposed reforms. Temporary eviction bans are implemented instead.
White Paper Published
Government publishes "A Fairer Private Rented Sector" white paper, outlining detailed proposals for rental reform including abolishing Section 21 and introducing a simplified tenancy structure.
Renters (Reform) Bill Introduced
The Conservative government finally introduces the Renters (Reform) Bill to Parliament, beginning its legislative journey. The bill aims to abolish Section 21 and reform the private rental sector.
General Election
The UK general election results in a change of government. The Renters (Reform) Bill falls as Parliament is dissolved, never completing its journey to become law.
King's Speech Commitment
The new government commits to rental reform in the King's Speech, promising to end Section 21 evictions and enhance tenant protections.
Renters' Rights Bill Introduced
The new government introduces the Renters' Rights Bill to Parliament, building on previous proposals but with key differences in implementation approach.
Commons Stages Completed
The Renters' Rights Bill completes its Report Stage and Third Reading in the House of Commons, passing with amendments.
Lords First Reading
The bill has its First Reading in the House of Lords, beginning the final stages of its parliamentary journey.
Lords Second Reading
The bill has its Second Reading in the House of Lords, with peers debating its main principles.
Expected Royal Assent
Based on current progress, the bill is expected to complete its remaining stages and receive Royal Assent by April 2025.
Implementation
Full implementation of the bill's provisions, including the abolition of Section 21 evictions for both new and existing tenancies.
What Will Change: Key Provisions
Old vs. New: How the Bills Compare
Feature | Renters (Reform) Bill (2023) | Renters' Rights Bill (2024) |
---|---|---|
Section 21 Ban | Yes - phased approach | Yes - simultaneous for all tenancies |
Implementation | Two-stage process | Single implementation date |
Court Reforms | Required before Section 21 abolition | To be implemented alongside ban |
Pet Provisions | Right to request pets | Strengthened right to keep pets |
Rent Controls | No rent controls | Improved rent increase challenge process |
Parliamentary Passage Analysis
The Renters' Rights Bill has been progressing through Parliament at a significantly faster pace than its predecessor. The previous Renters (Reform) Bill spent over a year in Parliament without completing its journey, while the current bill has already passed through the House of Commons in less than six months.
What Happens After Royal Assent?
Following Royal Assent, there will be a short transition period before the law comes into full effect. Unlike the previous proposal, the new legislation will implement changes for all tenancies at once rather than using a phased approach.
Renters Reform Bill Updates
Get all the updates about the Renters Rights Bill at a single place
Renters Rights Bill Stage: 13-19/03/2025 Updates
The Renters Rights Bill has entered a pivotal phase this week, with extensive debates in the House of Lords Committee Stage on March 18-19.
Renters Rights Bill Stage: 06/03/2025 – 12/03/2025 Updates
The Renters Rights Bill continues its progress through the House of Lords Committee Stage with significant amendments under debate this week. We examine the latest official updates from March 6-12, 2025, as the bill moves closer to becoming law.
Renters Rights Bill Stage: 26/02/2025 – 05/03/2025 Updates
The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 is set to fundamentally reform the private rented sector in England. The Bill aims to increase tenant protections, introduce new tenancy models, and impose stricter standards on landlords. As of the latest updates (26 February – 5 March 2025)
Renters Rights Bill Stage: 19/02/2025 – 25/02/2025 Updates
A central reform of the Bill is the abolition of Section 21 no‑fault evictions and the conversion of fixed‑term assured shorthold tenancies into rolling periodic tenancies, alongside establishing two months’ tenant notice and four months’ landlord notice.
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