Welcome back to another week of Stentons Property blogs! This week we’ll be following on from the previous blog with an update on the Renters’ Rights Bill, Summer 2025 update.

If you’re a renter, landlord, or property professional, you’ve probably been watching the Renters’ Rights Bill with mixed feelings — some hope, some frustration, and a whole lot of questions. Over the past two months, the bill has taken a few significant steps forward, but delays and political uncertainty have left us all in a bit of limbo.

That’s why I wanted to take a moment to walk through what’s actually changed, what’s still up in the air, and how it’s all likely to affect people on the ground.

Section 21 is Being Scrapped — But Not Just Yet

One of the headline changes is the abolition of Section 21 — the so-called “no-fault” eviction. Under the new proposals, landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a legitimate reason. This includes things like serious rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, or needing to sell the property. For tenants, this is a big win — a move towards more stable, secure renting.

Landlords will still be able to regain possession, but they’ll need to give six months’ written notice in many cases. It’s a big shift, and understandably, it’s raising concerns within parts of the landlord community.

Fixed-Term Tenancies May be Out

Another major change is that fixed-term tenancies — the traditional six or twelve-month contracts — are being replaced with rolling periodic tenancies. What does that mean in practice? It gives tenants more flexibility to leave, with just one months’ notice, but also allows them to stay long-term without having to “renew” a contract.

Landlords, on the other hand, may feel they’ve lost a bit of control here. But for tenants, this will reduce churn and give them a greater sense of home and permanence — especially useful for families or older renters.

Rent Increases and Bidding Wars

The Bill also includes tighter controls on rent increases. Landlords can now only raise the rent once a year, with two months’ notice, and any increase must reflect a fair market rate. If tenants feel the increase is excessive, they’ll have the right to challenge it through a tribunal.

Importantly, the Bill will also ban bidding wars — so no more pushing tenants into offering over the asking price just to secure a property.

So, What’s the Catch?

All of this sounds pretty transformative — and it is — but there’s a problem: nothing is actually in force yet.

Although the Bill has passed several important stages in Parliament, we’re still waiting on Royal Assent. That means the new rules haven’t kicked in — and may not until late 2025 or even 2026. In the meantime, landlords can still issue Section 21 notices, and most tenants are still living under the old system.

The Bigger Picture

For renters, these reforms are about fairness, stability, and being treated with respect. For landlords, it’s about clarity, consistency, and understanding where the line is drawn.

Striking that balance is tough — and the current political limbo doesn’t help anyone.

What to Do Now

If you’re a landlord, now is the time to start reviewing your tenancies, ensuring your properties meet standards, and updating your policies on notice periods, rent increases, and pets. If you’re a tenant, stay informed! If you have any queries regarding the updates or would like a chat, contact us or pop into the office for a coffee!

Until next time, happy house hunting!