The Renters’ Rights Bill is entering its crucial final phase in Parliament and is expected to become law in 2025 – 2026. For renters across England, this legislation represents the most significant shift in housing rights in a generation bringing long-promised protections against unfair evictions and tackling poor rental conditions.

But despite early momentum, progress has slowed. Renters and housing campaigners remain concerned about delays and controversial amendments made in the House of Lords, which could dilute some of the Bill’s key protections.

Legislative status: Where dos the Renters’ Rights Bill stand now?

As of August 2025, the Bill is in the final stages of parliamentary scrutiny, known as the “ping pong” stage. This is where the House of Commons and the House of Lords exchange amendments until both chambers agree on the final wording.

This stage is critical because it will determine whether key tenant protections, such as the end of Section 21 evictions, remain intact, or whether amendments from the Lords will weaken the Bill’s impact.

What happened in the House of Lords?

By the end of 2024, the Renters’ Rights Bill moved quickly through the House of Commons, bringing in important new protections for tenants. One of the first changes was a rule preventing landlords from asking for more than one month’s rent in advance, helping to reduce a major financial hurdle for many households.

However, as the Bill entered the House of Lords, its progress slowed. Peers, many of whom are landlords themselves, introduced several amendments that risk weakening renters’ rights:

  • Higher burden of proof for fines: Local councils would need to prove “beyond reasonable doubt” that landlords broke the rules before issuing fines. This could make it almost impossible to enforce protections against discrimination, particularly for families with children or tenants on benefits.
  • Reduced “no reletting period”: Originally set at 12 months, the period preventing landlords from re-letting a property after claiming they needed to sell or move in has been cut to 6 months, making it easier for bad-faith evictions to take place.
  • Higher deposits for pet owners: A new clause allows landlords to charge an additional three weeks’ deposit for tenants with pets. This could push upfront costs to eight weeks’ rent, excluding many pet owners from the rental market.

The revisions have been criticised for diluting the Bill’s impact, at a time when over 25,000 households have faced potential homelessness through Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions in the past year.

What the Renters’ Rights Bill aims to do?

The Government has made a clear manifesto pledge to strengthen renters’ protections. Once passed, the Bill is expected to:

  • End “no fault” evictions: Abolishing Section 21 notices so landlords cannot evict tenants without a valid reason.
  • Introduce periodic tenancies: All tenancies will become open-ended, giving tenants greater security and flexibility.
  • Limit rent increases: Capping increases to once a year, with stricter processes for landlords.
  • Create a landlord register: Improving accountability and transparency in the private rental sector.
  • Set new standards: Requiring all rental homes to meet the Decent Homes Standard.
  • Ban rent bidding: Preventing landlords from accepting offers above the advertised rent price.
  • Give tenants the right to request pets: Landlords will only be able to refuse with a valid reason.

Timeline: When will the Renters’ Rights Bill become law?

The Renters’ Rights Bill has now entered its final parliamentary stage, with the last round of votes scheduled for September 2025. If approved, it is expected to gain Royal Assent and take effect at some point in 2025 or early 2026. However, the government has not yet confirmed when the legislation will officially commence.

For renters, however, the urgency remains clear. Each delay means more families losing their homes to Section 21 evictions. Campaigners stress that once passed, the Bill must be brought into force swiftly and in full, without further compromises.

What this means for renters and landlords?

  • For tenants: The end of “no fault” evictions would mean greater housing stability, alongside new protections against unfair rent increases and unsafe housing. However, the Lords’ amendments around deposits and enforcement could still leave gaps in protection.
  • For landlords: The Bill will introduce stricter compliance requirements, including registration and meeting higher property standards. However, it also offers clarity around legitimate grounds for repossession, ensuring balance between tenant rights and landlord responsibilities.

How GLP Solicitors can help

At GLP Solicitors, we are closely following the progress of the Renters’ Rights Bill and the impact it will have on both tenants and landlords. Our Dispute Resolution team is ready to provide expert advice and representation.

  • For tenants: We specialise in housing disrepair claims and tenancy deposit disputes, helping renters secure fair treatment, safe living conditions, and compensation where due.
  • For landlords: We assess the validity of claims made against you and provide clear, strategic advice. Our team defends claims robustly, ensuring compliance with legal obligations while protecting your interests. We can also handle negotiations and litigation when necessary, minimising both financial risk and reputational damage.

As the Renters’ Rights Bill moves toward becoming law in autumn 2025, GLP Solicitors will continue to monitor developments closely. Contact GLP Solicitors today for specialist advice on tenant and landlord disputes.

Contact GLP Solicitors today for specialist advice on tenant and landlord disputes.

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