Renters Rights Bill: What Letting Agents Need to Know

The Renters Rights Bill is shaping up to be the biggest shake-up to the private rented sector in a generation. With the legislation expected to pass this summer and come into force later this year, letting agents across the UK are starting to feel the pressure.

So, what does it actually mean for day-to-day lettings? How can agents prepare without second guessing legislation still being finalised? And most importantly, how do you stay one step ahead for your landlords and tenants?

In this guide, we break down the latest updates on the Renters Rights Bill, what’s likely to come into effect soon and the practical ways agents can respond now to minimise disruption later.

What’s Changing With the Renters Rights Bill?

Let’s start with what’s actually in the Renters Rights Bill and what’s just noise.

At its core, the bill aims to rebalance the rights of landlords and tenants, giving renters more security while modernising the legal framework of the PRS. Here’s what we know so far:

• Section 21 ‘No Fault’ Evictions Will Be Abolished

This is the headline-grabber. Once the Renters Rights Bill becomes law, landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason. Instead, they’ll need to rely on expanded Section 8 grounds, including anti-social behaviour or rent arrears.

• Periodic Tenancies as Standard

Every tenancy will be periodic by default – goodbye fixed terms. Tenants will only need to give two months’ notice to leave, while landlords must meet strict possession criteria if they want the property back.

• Rent Increases Get Regulated

Landlords will be allowed just one rent increase per year, and must give at least two months’ notice. Any disputes can be escalated to the First-tier Tribunal.

• Tenants Allowed to Request Pets

Landlords won’t be able to unreasonably deny requests for pets, though they will be able to request pet insurance or proof of cover.

• Fairer Access for All Renters

It will become illegal to refuse applicants purely because they’re in receipt of benefits or have children.

When Will These Changes Happen?

The Renters Rights Bill is currently in the final stages of the legislative process and is expected to receive Royal Assent by the end of July 2025. If that happens, implementation could start as soon as October 2025 – depending on secondary legislation and transition arrangements.

Industry bodies like Propertymark are calling for a minimum six-month lead-in to allow agents time to adjust, but nothing has been confirmed. Best case? You’ll have a few months to prep. Worst case? It comes in sooner than expected.

Why Are Letting Agents Feeling the Heat?

For agents managing hundreds of properties and relationships, the Renters Rights Bill isn’t just a legal update. It’s a major operational shift, especially around:

Notice procedures
(no more Section 21 means more admin and clear record-keeping for Section 8)

Tenancy documentation
(periodic tenancies require rethinking renewal processes)

Dispute management
(especially around rent increases and possession)

Landlord education
(many still don’t know what’s coming!)

A survey conducted by SpareRoom in early 2025 found that 66% of landlords plan to sell their properties or exit the private rented sector, with 88% citing the Renters’ Rights Bill as a primary reason for their lack of confidence in the market – meaning agents need to work harder to reassure and retain them.

What Letting Agents Can Do Now

You don’t need to wait for Royal Assent to take action. Here’s what proactive agents are already doing to stay ahead of the Renters Rights Bill:

1. Start Talking to Landlords Now

Bring them up to speed with the bill’s impact. Reassure them that eviction is still possible but only with clear grounds and processes.

2. Update Your Tenancy Templates and Notices

Prepare for periodic agreements and double check you’re using the most up to date legal documents.

3. Invest in Clear, Documented Communication

Make sure all notice periods, rent increase justifications and tenant interactions are logged. Digital platforms can help.

4. Review Your End of Tenancy Process

Smooth transitions reduce disputes. Streamlined move-outs will become more important as tenants gain more control over when they leave.

5. Brush Up on the New Section 8 Grounds

Make sure you and your team understand how to apply the right grounds, and what evidence is needed.

How Helpthemove Can Support

Navigating the Renters Rights Bill doesn’t have to mean more stress. At Helpthemove, we help letting agents streamline the move-in and move-out journey so you can stay compliant, professional, and ahead of the curve.

From automated notifications to integrated council tax and utility switching, our platform lightens the admin load and keeps your tenants informed every step of the way.

➡️ Find out more about how we help letting agents