On 15 May, one of the more sweeping new laws being introduced by the British government made it past the committee stage to leap one of the final fences before being fully enacted. The Renters’ Rights Bill will next go to the report stage to undergo further examination, with the amendments suggested by the committee concerning the Right to Buy in rural parishes, the installation of mobility aids, and the early prevention of no-fault evictions.
After the report stage, the bill will pass on to a third reading and can then be passed into law. Naturally, with some of the more costly elements of the bill, landlords will be given time to adjust to the changes, but some of the more headline-making changes, such as those to Section 21, will be more immediate. With little friction thus far, the Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to become law at some point this summer, giving UK landlords much to consider.
Overview of the Renters’ Rights Bill
The aim of the Renters’ Rights Bill is primarily to enhance the rights of renters, what they can demand from landlords, and provisions to stop unfair treatment. The biggest of the moves within this bill will be to completely eradicate Section 21 evictions, also known as ‘no-fault’ evictions. To achieve this, tenancies become periodic, giving them more time to challenge bad landlord practice to the new private rented sector landlord ombudsman.
Protections against backdoor evictions, such as by cranking up the rent to drive out tenants, are also coming into play, and landlords will be required to update homes to abide by energy efficiency changes and Awaab’s Law. As it stands, landlords need a minimum energy efficiency rating of E, but that’s set to be cranked up to a C. Awaab’s Law, which was initially part of social housing law, will expand to cover private rent to require timely intervention when hazardous conditions arise.
Landlords Opting to Sell Rather than Adapt
According to some figures, landlords look to be getting out while the going’s good. Q4 of 2024 saw some 26 per cent of landlords trying to sell their tenanted properties, while Q1 2025 saw 15.6 per cent of total properties listed having previously been rented homes. Some of this will be down to the option to renew and break clauses being nullified by the new law, along with the requirements to upgrade rented properties.
The case of selling is mounting for many, but as landlords, selling with tenants can be a difficult task. However, it is quite possible. The best method of selling a tenanted property is to turn to the specialists. They can offer a fast and stress-free solution for cashing in as they’ll buy a house in any condition, meaning that the landlord doesn’t need to fuss with anything like uncooperative tenants, upkeep costs, pet damage, and the like.
Of course, on the flip side, interest rates are declining while rent continues to climb, which does make staying in the game potentially profitable for landlords with properties that are already up to scratch. Costs on being a landlord will continue to rise, but there are efforts being made to make the process much more clear-cut, such as with the new Private Rented Sector Database.
Big changes are coming to UK landlords, so it makes sense that some are considering their options before the anticipated summer arrival of the Renters’ Rights Bill.
Picture Source: Unsplash
