The Renters Rights Bill Is Coming Soon

Published: 18/08/2025 By Rachael James

Next month, Parliament resumes after the summer break, and one of the items at the top of the list is the Renters' Rights Bill. The Bill has been five years in planning and returns to the House of Commons for consideration of amendments carried by the House of Lords before the recess.

It’s fair to assume that the Labour Government will be keen to secure royal assent in September, to secure the headlines before the party conference. For the industry, however, there will be no change in the law until the Bill is commenced – whenever that might be – and some changes within the Bill will be phased in at later stages.

The amendments to the Bill, backed by the House of Lords, included

• The ban on re-letting unsold properties for 12 months is reduced to 6 months if a sale fails to happen.

• Pet damage deposits. Landlords may request an additional 3 weeks’ rent as a pet damage deposit. 

There may be further ‘ping pong’ in Westminster, but I think it is fair to say that we will have a clearer picture by mid-September, both in terms of the contents of the Bill and the timeframe for delivery. Therefore, if you haven’t already done so, please register for further updates and an invitation to seminars we are planning to hold in the Autumn.

Meanwhile, whilst the Bill has instilled fear into many landlords, it could present opportunities for others. Property is in short supply, demand is high, so rent returns have escalated. Tenants are likely to stay in properties longer with the added security that the Bill will bring, and therefore, perhaps there is an opportunity for longer-term strategic Buy to Let landlords.

We hope to see you at the seminars, and look forward to discussing the future of your rental portfolio soon.

For details of our letting and management services, please click here or contact Rachael on 01258 474265. You will also find a link to meet the dedicated letting agents in your nearest Symonds & Sampson office, who welcome the opportunity to discuss your rental property with you.