This article updates landlords and property investors about the Renters (Reform) Bill, which was introduced to parliament in May 2023 and is significant legislation that will impact tenants and landlords.

The Renters Reform Bill was finally presented to the House of Commons on 24 April 2024. If there are no delays in the House of Lords, it is anticipated that it will receive Royal Assent before a General Election later in the year.

What is the Renters Reform Bill?

The Renters Reform Bill primarily applies to England. Its aim is to create a fairer rental market for both tenants and landlords, and implement reforms set out in the Government’s white paper - A fairer private rented sector .

This includes plans to:

1. abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and introduce a simpler tenancy structure
2. apply the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS for the first time
3. introduce a new Property Portal to help landlords understand their obligations
4. introduce a housing ombudsman covering all PRS landlords and providing redress for tenants

How will the Renters Reform Bill affect landlords?

Section 21 Notice of seeking possession – The main aspect of the Renters Reform Bill has been about the abolition of Section 21. This allows landlords to evict tenants after a fixed term tenancy ends - if there’s a written contract or during a tenancy with no fixed end date - known as a ‘periodic’ tenancy

The latest announcement is that Section 21 cannot be abolished until the court process is properly set up and working.

Selective Licensing—HMO or selective licensing will continue after the Renters Reform Bill is introduced. The licensing regime will be reviewed as the new Rented Property Portal is developed.

Fixed-term tenancies—If all the tenants in a property are students, landlords can use the student possession ground to evict tenants according to the academic year. This will apply to any property, not just HMOs. 

The Renters Reform Bill has introduced a fixed term, stating that tenants cannot end a tenancy in the first six months.

Decent Homes Standard for the PRS and PRS Landlord Ombudsman – there was very little detail on these two aspects of the Bill.

We will continue to keep you up to date with the Renters Reform Bill as we hear more. In the meantime, if you are a landlord or property investor and you would like advice on the financial management of your property portfolio, please do get in touch by calling 01623 490 120 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.