What’s Next for the Renters’ Rights Bill – and How to Get Ready for It

The Renters’ Rights Bill has been making its way through Parliament, and though it hasn’t quite crossed the finish line, the end is starting to come into view. On 15 May, the Bill cleared a big hurdle in the House of Lords – the Committee Stage – and now heads to the Report Stage, which will unfold across three sessions between 1 and 15 July.

But if you’re wondering whether this means the Bill will become law any time soon, the answer is… not quite yet.

So, What’s the Hold-Up?

The chances of the Bill completing all its stages and getting Royal Assent before Parliament breaks up for the summer are pretty slim. That means, for now, it remains a work in progress. But don’t be fooled into thinking you can ignore it until next year.

Some of the most talked-about changes – like updates to tenancy agreements and rules around evictions – could still kick in before the end of the year. More complex parts of the reform, including the national database for landlords and agents, as well as the rollout of a Decent Homes Standard, are likely to be held back until 2026 or even 2027.

No Fixed Dates Yet

If you’re looking for a clear timeline, you’re not alone. So far, the Government isn’t giving much away. Baroness Taylor, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, has said the actual start dates will be decided through secondary legislation after the Bill passes.

That might sound vague, but she has promised that the sector will get "sufficient time" to prepare. Alongside that commitment, she also mentioned plans for clear, easy-to-understand guidance for landlords and letting agents. The goal? To avoid confusion and help everyone get up to speed with what’s changing and when. Expect a big public awareness campaign too.

What Letting Agents and Landlords Should Do Now

Although the Bill hasn’t become law yet, experts say it’s wise not to sit back and wait. Changes are coming – and being proactive now will make the transition smoother later on.

Letting agents, in particular, have a real opportunity here. By brushing up on the proposed reforms and helping landlords and tenants navigate the upcoming changes, agents can prove their value and reinforce the benefits of working with qualified professionals.

Industry body Propertymark is playing a key role in this. They’ve been in ongoing talks with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to flag concerns and help officials understand some of the unintended knock-on effects the new rules could have. Their goal is to make sure the voices of agents and landlords are heard – and that any changes work in the real world, not just on paper.

Tools to Help You Get Ready

If you’re a Propertymark member, there’s already a toolkit at your fingertips. They’ve put together a helpful fact sheet and a set of FAQs designed to break down the Bill into manageable chunks. These resources explain what’s likely to change and offer practical steps you can take now to prepare.

Even if you’re not a member, it’s a good time to read up on the Bill, think about how it could affect your business or property, and start having those conversations with clients and tenants.

Conclusion

While the Renters’ Rights Bill still has a few political hurdles to jump, it’s clear that change is on the horizon. The best thing landlords and agents can do right now is get informed and stay engaged. Waiting until the last minute will only make the transition harder.

So, don’t put it off. Start getting to grips with the reforms now, and when the time comes, you’ll be ready to roll with the changes, not scramble to catch up.