Changes are being made to Letting Laws in the UK – What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know!

The UK’s Renters’ Rights Bill is set to bring significant changes to the rental landscape in the UK. As of today, April 22nd 2025, the bill is undergoing detailed scrutiny in the House of Lords.

Key Reforms in the Renters’ Rights Bill

1. Abolition of Section 21 'No-Fault' Evictions

Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a valid reason, the purpose of this is to offer tenants greater security and stability in their rental properties.

2. Transition to Periodic Tenancies

Fixed term assured and assured shorthold tenancies will be replaced with periodic tenancies. This will mean tenants can end the tenancy with two months notice, and landlords must provide a valid ground for possession if required.

3. Regulation of Rent Increases

Rent increases will be limited to once per year, requiring at least two months notice. Tenants will have the right to challenge increases they deem unreasonable through a tribunal.

4. Ban on Rental Bidding Wars

Landlords and letting agents will be prohibited from encouraging or accepting offers above the advertised rent, aiming to prevent bidding wars that drive up rental prices (The Guardian, 2024).  

5. Restrictions on Upfront Rent Payments

Landlords will be restricted from accepting more than one month's rent in advance. This is hoped to ease financial burdens on tenants but some critics have argued that it may disadvantage those who have poor credit.

6. Right to Request Pets

Tenants will have the right to request permission to keep pets, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords may require tenants to obtain pet specific insurance to cover potential pet-related damages (House of Commons Library, 2025).  

7. Establishment of a Landlord Ombudsman and Property Portal

A new ombudsman is said to be created to handle disagreements between landlords and tenants. Additionally, landlords will be required to register their properties on a national portal, promoting transparency and accountability.  

Implications for Landlords and Tenants in Somerset

For Landlords:

Many of these amendments refer to practices our landlords would not carry out anyway such as unreasonable rent increases, unjust evictions but the reforms will mean necessary adjustments in tenancy agreements and management practices. Landlords should familiarise themselves with the new regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.​ 

For Tenants:

Tenants can expect increased protections and rights, including more secure tenancies and avenues to challenge unfair practices.

REFERENCES:

House of Commons Library, 2025. Can my landlord prevent me from keeping a pet? (England). Available at: Can my landlord prevent me from keeping a pet? (England) [Accessed 22nd April 2025]

The Guardian, 2024. Bill to ban landlords in England from rental bidding wars. Available at: Bill to ban landlords in England from rental bidding wars | Renting property | The Guardian [Accessed 22nd April 2025]