The contentious Renters’ Rights Bill received Royal Assent from King Charles this afternoon and has become law following an announcement in parliament.

It is now nearly two years since Michael Gove first revealed his desire to overhaul the private rented sector, an attempt which failed during the chaotic final months of the Rishi Sunak government.

Labour’s version of the Bill, which is very similar, has raced through parliament, helped by the party’s large majority.

This evening the legislation, which will significantly change how the private rented sector is regulated and heap more red tape on letting agents and landlords, is due to beofficially read out in the Lords with MPs in attendance.

Once this has been completed, the Government will have to get any secondary legislation affected by the Bill changed, along with the amendments necessary to regulations.

Secretary of State Steve Reed says: “Our historic Act marks the biggest leap forward in renters’ rights in a generation. We are finally ending the injustice overseen by previous governments that has left millions living in fear of losing their homes.

“For decades, the scales have been tipped against tenants. Now, we’re levelling the playing field between renters and landlords.

“We are tearing down the walls of injustice in the private rented sector and building a future where tenants are protected, respected and empowered.

“This is an historic moment for renters across the country and we’re proud to deliver it.”

Watch: The moment that the Bill becomes law.

Promising timetable

Reed said during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning that he would publish a timetable of when these changes would take place a soon as possible so that agents, landlords and tenants could understand when the Renters’ Rights Act would go ‘live’ in full.

This includes the abolishment of Section 21, which is the most radical element of the Act.
Campaign groups such as Shelter and Generation Rent have been calling on ‘no fault’ evictions to be banned immediately, but Labour has pushed back, saying property managers need time to adjust.

It is also clear that many County Courts are  not ready for the changes and the likely large increase in workload; the Renters’ Rights Act effectively forces all evictions to go through these courts, making removing rogue tenants both a lengthier and more expensive process for landlords and letting agents.

Other ducks will also need to lined up including Awaab’s Law, which the Act says will now including private landlords, but also a new national database of landlords and their properties, and a new ombudsman.

Reaction

Grace Milham, Group Operations Director at The Property Franchise Group

“As expected, the Renters’ Rights Bill has now passed through Royal Assent, following approval of the final version by the House of Commons last week,” she says.

“The government is expected to set out its plan for implementation shortly, which will include some secondary legislation.

“Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, has indicated this will happen as soon as possible. We therefore continue to work on the assumption that the Bill will come into effect around the first quarter of 2026.

“We are well advanced in our rollout plan, helping our network of agents prepare for the smooth and effective delivery of the forthcoming changes.

“There are 14 key areas of change for landlords, and we have not underestimated the scale of work required to ensure a successful transition for both landlords and tenants. As always, the detail is critical, and that is where our focus remains.”

Graham Hayward, MD, Housing Hand

“We have been preparing for this change for the past two years, as we’ve tracked the progress and evolution of the Renters’ Rights Bill into legislation,” he says.

“We’ve already launched a suite of new products, from ‘Depositless’ renting to free health and wellbeing support included with our guarantor service.

“Guarantees are now available for Standard, Volume, Risk Managed and Block cover, while our A-Void™ service provides a free, one-of-a-kind support product for accommodation providers who issue a Ground 4A.

“The challenge now is the implementation plan and sequence – along with the detail of how purpose-built student accommodation will be exempt, and how providers of it will reposition in this new market.”

“It’s now time for the private rented sector to pull together and ensure that we support all those who are part of the future of the sector – tenants and accommodation providers alike.”

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association

“After years of debate and uncertainty, today marks an important milestone for the private rented sector. With the Renters’ Rights Act on the statute book, the sector needs certainty about the way forward,” he says.

“This is the most significant shake-up of the rental market in almost 40 years, and it is imperative that the new systems work for both tenants and responsible landlords. The NRLA stands ready to work with the Government to ensure the reforms are implemented in a way that is fair, proportionate and deliverable.

“The Government now needs to engage meaningfully with those providing the homes so desperately needed, to ensure implementation of the Bill is realistic and aligns with the practicalities of the market – not least the need for clarity well in advance of the next academic year for student housing.

“At a minimum, the sector needs six months’ notice before implementation to ensure a smooth and seamless transition, and the Government must provide certainty on this as soon as possible.”

“The Government must also recognise the vital importance of a thriving private rented sector not only to meet tenant demand but to the national economy. It is essential that the Government’s reforms do not worsen the supply crisis by discouraging long term investment in the homes to rent that so many rely on.

“As the changes bed in, the Government should commit to ongoing monitoring of their impact and ensure its findings are published.”

Christian Balshen, Rightmove’s Director of Agency Partnerships

“The new legislation is a big change for landlords and it’s vital that they remain compliant. Selecting the right agent to work with, to understand and prepare for the changes, will be crucial,” he says.

“Landlords have always prioritised selecting a reliable tenant who wants to be in their home long-term, so it’s likely they’ll be even more involved in the process of choosing the right tenant for their home with these legislative changes.”

Paul Offley, Compliance Officer at The Guild of Property Professionals

“The Renters’ Rights Bill receiving Royal Assent marks an important step forward in raising standards across the private rented sector and something we have been working on with our Members for many months,” he says.

“We welcome measures that promote fairness, transparency, and accountability for both tenants and landlords.

“Good agents and landlords who already operate to high professional standards have nothing to fear from these changes – in fact, this legislation should help level the playing field and drive out poor practices that damage the reputation of the sector.

“Ultimately, this could be very good news for the PRS, helping to build greater trust and confidence among tenants while supporting a more professional and sustainable rental market for the future.

“We await further guidance from Government regarding implementation and best practice at which point we will be ensuring all of our Members are fully briefing and in a position to help their landlords and tenants.”

Lucy Jones, COO of Lomond

“The Renters’ Rights Act represents the biggest shift in the private rental sector in a generation, marking a significant step forward in creating a more professional and transparent industry,” she says.

“These reforms bring greater clarity and protection for landlords and tenants while also encouraging higher standards and consistency across the industry.

“As letting agents who already operate at the highest standard, we see this as a positive opportunity to support both landlords and tenants through a period of adjustment to the new legislation.

“For landlords, this legislation introduces new responsibilities, and many may be daunted by the evolving landscape. With many changes coming into practice around tenancy agreements, possession, rent increases and property standards, expert guidance will be critical to navigating the new status quo.

“We believe this Act will help raise the bar across the sector and we’re proud to play a role in supporting a more professional and fair rental market.”

Dr Neil Cobbold, Commercial Director, Reapit

“It’s important to understand that this isn’t a “everything changes tomorrow” moment,” he says.

“Some of the key provisions – for example the new landlord portal, ombudsman and extension of the Decent Homes Standard to private rented homes – will be phased in over time, with some coming into force only in the mid-2030s. This gives everyone time to adapt.

“Reapit’s message to agents is simple: the value you bring will only rise with the compliance and knowledge burden the Act places on managing rentals. Those part-time landlords who make up the majority of the sector will struggle to cope alone as the regulatory demands increase, so agents who can position themselves as trusted and strategic advisers will become the partners of choice for landlords across England.”