The Renters’ Rights Bill is a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at transforming the private rented sector in England that should become law in 2026.
The Bill addresses major concerns faced by tenants, such as no-fault evictions, unclear rent increases, poor housing conditions, and discrimination – all issues that people in and around Reading present with at our free drop-in service.
The Bill seeks to improve the overall quality of life for renters while still preserving landlords’ rights to manage their properties efficiently. It had been championed by Angela Rayner, who resigned from her position as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary on 5 September 2025. Its leadership now falls to Matthew Pennycook, the Housing Minister.
He had already been heavily involved in drafting and promoting the Bill and will steer it through its final stages in Parliament where it should become law next year.
Su Hamblyn, Launchpad CEO said: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to pressing ahead with the Renters’ Rights Bill following the recent changes.
“This is a clear signal that this Bill remains a top priority and is good news for people who rent their home.
“Concerns about renting and eviction is one of the top presenting issues that we see at our drop-in sessions which are held three times a week. It causes a huge amount of stress and worry for people.
“Our most recent stats covering the last quarter of April, May and June 2025, show that 14 people came to our drop-in service who had already been evicted.
“More than a quarter of people who came to see us at drop-in during those three months were concerned about their private recent increases and being issued with no-fault eviction notices.
“So we know the issues being addressed in this Bill are huge and when passed, this Bill will deliver greater security, stability, and fairness, ending no fault evictions, tackling discrimination and giving renters more power to challenge any unfair practices.
“Renters can look forward to a future where they are better protected and able to build their lives with confidence in their homes.”
What is in the Renters Rights Bill
Major reforms such as banning “no fault” Section 21 evictions and regulating rent bidding practices.
- New Assured Tenancy System
- All tenancies will become periodic (month-to-month)
- No fixed-term tenancies allowed after the commencement date
- Tenants can give 2 months’ notice to leave at any time
- Abolition of Section 21
- “No fault” evictions will be banned
- Landlords must use Section 8 grounds for possession
- Revised Section 8 Grounds
- Grounds for eviction updated to balance tenant protection with landlord rights
- Rent Increase Procedure
- Rent can only be increased via the Section 13 process
- Tenants can challenge excessive rent hikes
- Ban on Rental Bidding
- Landlords and agents cannot invite or accept bids above the advertised rent
- Right to Request Pets
- Tenants can request permission to keep pets
- Landlords must consider requests reasonably
- Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
- A new body to resolve disputes fairly and quickly
- Private Rented Sector Database
- A national portal for rented property information and compliance
- Decent Homes Standard
- Minimum property standards extended to private rentals
- Awaab’s Law
- Mandates timely repairs of health hazards (e.g., mould).
- Anti-Discrimination Measures
- Bans on refusing tenants with children or those on benefits
- End of the “AST Trap” (assured shorthold tenancies)
- Long leases with ground rent over £250 will no longer default to ASTs
Meanwhile, Steve Reed OBE, MP for Streatham and Croydon North, has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
He brings extensive experience from both local and national government, and has pledged to continue Labour’s housing reform agenda, including the delivery of 1.5 million new homes.