When Will the Renters Reform Bill Become Law? Key Dates

The Renters Reform Bill is one of the most significant changes to the private rental sector in the UK in decades. Tenants, landlords, and housing professionals are all asking the same question: when will the Renters Reform Bill become law?

This guide breaks down the Bill’s progress, key dates, and what renters and landlords can expect when the legislation comes into effect.

What is the Renters Reform Bill and why is it important in the UK?

The Renters Reform Bill is a government initiative designed to rebalance tenant rights and landlord responsibilities. It aims to create a fairer, more secure rental system.

What changes does the Renters Reform Bill introduce for tenants and landlords?

The Bill proposes:

• Abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions

• Stronger rights for tenants to challenge unfair rent increases

• More responsibilities for landlords, including improved property standards

• Introduction of a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman

How does the Bill affect Section 21 “no fault” evictions?

The Bill will end landlords’ ability to evict tenants without providing a reason. This change means tenants will enjoy more stability, while landlords will still be able to seek possession under specific legal grounds such as arrears or anti-social behaviour.

What are the main objectives of the Renters Reform Bill?

The government’s goals include:

• Creating a fairer rental system

• Providing tenants with more security and stability

• Ensuring landlords still have clear routes to regain possession when necessary

When will the Renters Reform Bill become law in the UK?

The Bill is still moving through Parliament and has not yet become law. It must complete several stages, including debate in the House of Commons and House of Lords, before receiving Royal Assent.

What stage is the Renters Reform Bill currently at in Parliament?

• First introduced in May 2023

• Ongoing scrutiny through debates and amendments

• Likely to gain Royal Assent by late 2025

What are the expected timelines for the Bill to pass into law?

Government officials originally suggested the Bill could become law in 2024–2025, but delays have pushed the timeline. If it passes both Houses of Parliament, Royal Assent could be granted later in 2025.

What delays could affect when the Renters Reform Bill becomes law?

• Political debates over Section 21 abolition

• Pressure from landlord associations

• A potential general election interrupting parliamentary progress

What are the key dates for the Renters Reform Bill in the UK?

The Bill has already passed several important stages and more are expected before it becomes law. Understanding the timeline helps tenants and landlords prepare for change.

When did the Renters Reform Bill first get introduced?

The Bill was introduced in May 2023 as part of the government’s pledge to rebalance the private rental market.

What key debates and votes have already taken place?

The Bill has passed its Second Reading and has been examined in committee stages, where MPs considered amendments and raised concerns from both landlord and tenant perspectives.

What upcoming parliamentary milestones should renters and landlords watch?

• Report Stage and Third Reading in the Commons

• House of Lords debate and approval

• Royal Assent, which will turn the Bill into law

How soon could tenants and landlords see changes once it becomes law?

Reforms will be introduced in phases. Some measures, such as registration with the Ombudsman, may apply shortly after Royal Assent, while others like Section 21 abolition will follow over a 12–24 month transition period.

How will the Renters Reform Bill impact renters’ rights in the UK?

The Bill marks a major shift in tenant protections, aiming to create a more secure and fair rental experience.

What protections will tenants gain under the new Bill?

• Greater security through the end of Section 21 evictions

• Stronger rights to contest excessive rent increases

• Access to the Ombudsman for resolving disputes

• Protection against retaliatory eviction for raising complaints

How will tenancy agreements change after the Renters Reform Bill becomes law?

All tenancies will move to periodic agreements, meaning contracts will continue on a rolling basis rather than fixed terms. This ensures flexibility for tenants and removes the uncertainty of eviction at the end of fixed contracts.

Will tenants have stronger rights against unfair eviction?

Yes. Evictions will only be permitted under clear legal grounds such as arrears or anti-social behaviour. This change ensures tenants cannot be removed without cause, which experts argue creates much-needed housing stability.

How will the Renters Reform Bill affect landlords in the UK?

What new responsibilities will landlords face?

• Meeting higher housing standards

• Registering with the new Ombudsman

• Following stricter eviction processes

How does the Bill change eviction processes for landlords?

Landlords can still evict tenants for:

• Serious rent arrears

• Anti-social behaviour

• Selling the property

• Moving in themselves or family

What challenges could delay the Renters Reform Bill becoming law?

• Political divisions over tenant and landlord protections

• Lobbying pressure from property groups

• General elections disrupting the parliamentary timetable

What should renters and landlords do while waiting for the Renters Reform Bill to become law?

How can tenants prepare for the changes?

• Stay updated through tenant unions and housing charities

• Know your current rights under Section 21 and tenancy law

• Plan for future periodic tenancy structures

What steps should landlords take in anticipation of the Bill?

• Review tenancy agreements for compliance

• Improve property standards early

• Join landlord associations for legal updates

What resources are available for staying updated on the Bill’s progress?

• UK Government website

• Housing charities like Shelter and Generation Rent

• Professional landlord associations

Conclusion: When will the Renters Reform Bill become law in the UK?

The question of when will the Renters Reform Bill become law does not yet have a fixed answer, but the most likely timeline points to late 2025. Tenants will gain stronger rights and protections, while landlords will face stricter responsibilities but retain key safeguards. Preparing early is essential for both sides as this legislation represents the most significant change to private renting in decades.

FAQs about the Renters Reform Bill

Will the Renters Reform Bill scrap Section 21 evictions immediately?
No. Section 21 will end gradually once the Bill becomes law, with a transition period for landlords.

When will the Renters Reform Bill changes take effect?
Some changes will apply immediately after Royal Assent, while others may roll out over 12–24 months.

Does the Renters Reform Bill apply across the whole of the UK?
No. The Bill applies only to England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate rental legislation.

How will the Renters Reform Bill affect existing tenancy agreements?
All agreements will eventually shift to periodic tenancies, affecting both new and existing contracts.

What happens if the Renters Reform Bill is delayed again?
If Parliament delays further, implementation could slip beyond 2025, especially if elections disrupt progress.