The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025: What Every Landlord Must Know

1. Abolition of Section 21 Evictions

The Bill abolishes Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, meaning landlords can no longer end a tenancy without providing a valid reason. This is one of the most significant reforms in the history of the private rental sector.

From now on:

• Landlords can only regain possession based on legal grounds (for example, rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or needing to sell the property).

• Eviction notices must follow statutory procedures, with evidence to support the claim.

• Courts will determine whether eviction requests are reasonable, rather than automatic.

Impact on Landlords:
This reform drastically reduces flexibility for landlords. Recovering possession will now take longer and involve greater legal scrutiny. Delays in court processing could extend tenancy periods even when legitimate grounds exist.

2. All Tenancies Become Periodic by Default

Fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) are being replaced by rolling periodic tenancies. In simple terms, there will be no more 6- or 12-month fixed terms. Every tenancy will continue indefinitely until the tenant chooses to leave or the landlord provides valid grounds for possession.

Key Details:

• Tenants can leave at any time with proper notice.

• Landlords can only end the tenancy on legal grounds (as defined in the Bill).

• The concept of a “renewal period” is abolished — the tenancy simply continues.

Impact:
This provides tenants with long-term stability but reduces landlord control. Property owners can no longer rely on the end of a fixed term to regain possession or review rental agreements.

3. Revised Grounds for Possession

Under the new framework, landlords may only recover their property through approved statutory grounds. These include:

• Persistent rent arrears (even if the tenant later repays part of the debt)

• Anti-social behaviour

• Significant property damage or neglect

• Landlord intends to sell or occupy the property

• Breach of tenancy agreement

The Bill also introduces new evidentiary requirements, meaning landlords must prove each ground with documentation or inspection records.

Impact:
This ensures tenant protection but introduces more administrative responsibility for landlords. Failure to provide the right evidence can result in possession claims being dismissed.

4. Rent Regulation and Tenant Challenges

The Renters’ Rights Bill also brings in a formal rent review process:

• Landlords must follow a statutory procedure to propose rent increases.

• Tenants can challenge rent rises through the tribunal system if they believe the increase is unfair.

• The Bill limits rent in advance to one month, reducing upfront payments.

Impact:
This increases administrative work for landlords and could lead to slower rent adjustments. It also reinforces the need for full transparency in rent setting.

5. What This Means for the Private Rental Sector

These structural changes mark a major cultural shift in property letting. The era of flexible, short-term tenancies is ending, replaced by a system focused on tenant permanence, fairness, and accountability.

While tenants gain stronger protections, landlords face:

• Longer possession timelines

• Increased compliance paperwork

• Greater exposure to rent disputes

This is where Citywide Housing offers a safety net. Through our Guaranteed Rent Scheme, landlords can secure consistent income for 3–5 years, with:

• Guaranteed rent every month

• No voids, no arrears, no repairs

• Full compliance management

• Zero tenant involvement

Our commercial lease agreements protect landlords from exactly the kind of financial uncertainty these reforms introduce.