Published: 06/10/2025 By Sophie Parish
🏡 What Landlords Need to Know About the Renters (Reform) BillAn Update for Our Landlord Clients
The Renters (Reform) Bill is the most significant change to rental legislation in England in decades. Here at Whittley Parish, we want to ensure you’re fully informed and prepared for what’s ahead.
The Bill is still making its way through Parliament (as of September 2025), but the government has made clear its intention to bring it into law in phases from 2026 onwards.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the changes, how they affect you as a landlord, and how we can help you navigate them.
🔄 1. End of Section 21 (“No-Fault”) Evictions
What’s changing?
Section 21 will be abolished. You will no longer be able to end a tenancy without giving a specific reason.
What this means for you:
All evictions will need to use Section 8 grounds, which will be reformed to include legitimate reasons like:
- Selling the property
- Moving in a family member
- Serious rent arrears
- Anti-social behaviour
📅 2. All Tenancies to Become Periodic
What’s changing?
Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced by rolling, periodic agreements. Tenants will be able to give two months’ notice at any time.
What this means for you:
- You’ll have greater flexibility to adjust rents annually
- But you'll also need to plan for greater turnover and shorter notice periods
- We recommend building in more proactive tenancy reviews and property marketing timelines
🐾 3. Tenants’ Right to Request Pets
What’s changing?
Tenants will have a legal right to request a pet. Landlords must not unreasonably refuse. You can require tenants to hold pet damage insurance.
What this means for you:
- You’ll need a clear and reasonable policy on pets
- We’ll support you in updating tenancy agreements and referencing procedures to reflect this change
⚖️ 4. Mandatory Private Renters’ Ombudsman
What’s changing?
All landlords will be required to join a new Ombudsman scheme to resolve disputes outside of court.
What this means for you:
- Disputes could be resolved faster and more cheaply
- Poor practice (e.g. not addressing repairs) may lead to formal complaints
- Our full management service will help protect you from these risks
🏠 5. Property Portal for Landlord Compliance
What’s changing?
A new digital Property Portal will require landlords to register each property and demonstrate compliance with safety and legal standards.
What this means for you:
- You must ensure all gas, electrical, EPC, and other certifications are up to date
- Non-compliance could mean fines or losing the right to let
📈 6. No Rent Caps, But Clearer Rules
What’s changing?
The Bill won’t introduce rent controls, but it will make it harder to increase rents unfairly.
What this means for you:
- Rent increases must follow specific notice procedures
- Tenants can challenge increases through the First-tier Tribunal
- Annual reviews and benchmarking will be key to setting appropriate rents
✅ How We’re Supporting You
As your letting agent, we are already preparing for these changes. Here’s how we can help:
- Ongoing legal updates as the Bill progresses
- Review and update of all tenancy agreements
- Guidance on eviction procedures under the new rules
- Compliance checks and registration on the Property Portal
- Pet policies and insurance addendums
- Rent setting and review strategies in line with the new framework
📅 When Will This Happen?
The government has confirmed that implementation will be phased – with Section 21 likely to go first, from 2026. We’ll keep you updated as timelines are confirmed and provide transition support at every stage.
🔔 Next Steps for Landlords
- Review your current tenancies – especially fixed terms due to expire in the next 6–12 months
- Ensure compliance with safety certifications and licensing
- Discuss your portfolio strategy with us – particularly around rent reviews and tenant retention
- Stay informed – contact us directly for advice
📞 Need personalised support?
Get in touch with our lettings team today to schedule a portfolio review or legal compliance check.
Phone: 01379 640 886
Email: rentals@whittleyparish.com
- 01379 640886