Renters’ Rights Bill 2025: Key Changes Landlords Need to Know
The Section 8 notice period for rent arrears cases will extend from 2 to 4 weeks. The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to bring significant changes in spring/summer 2025, aiming to provide tenants with greater security while ensuring landlords retain the ability to fairly recover their properties. As a landlord, staying informed about these changes is crucial. Below, we outline 3 key updates and their implications for property owners with further updates to follow.
1) Ban to “No Fault” Evictions
The upcoming legislation will eliminate “No Fault” evictions, meaning you will no longer be able to terminate a tenancy without a valid reason. This change is designed to protect tenants who have adhered to their tenancy agreements.
However, landlords will still be able to recover possession using a Section 8 eviction notice for legitimate grounds, including:
- Rent arrears or persistent late payments
- Lender repossession
- Breach of contract
- Antisocial behaviour
- Damage to property
- False statements by the tenant
- Significant repairs or redevelopment
The Section 8 notice period for rent arrears cases will extend from 2 to 4 weeks. Other breaches will normally require 2 weeks’ notice.
For the typical Section 8 rent arrears mandatory ground, the period of arrears will increase from 2 months to 3 months.
The notice period for most of the other Section 8 evictions will increase from two months to four months. This extended timeframe will require careful planning when seeking possession of your property.
2) Changes to Rent Increases
Under the new rules, rent increases will:
- Be permitted only once per year
- Require a minimum of two months’ notice to tenants
- Reflect market rates, as determined by a First-tier Tribunal if disputed
The new changes allow tenants to challenge excessive rent increases at a First-tier Tribunal. If a tenant raises a dispute, the Tribunal will assess the proposed increase and decide what the market rent should be. In addition, the Tribunal will have the authority to defer any rent increase for up to two months in cases where the increase is deemed to cause overwhelming financial strain.
3) Restrictions on Re-letting After Eviction for Personal Use or Sale
If you evict a tenant to either sell the property or move into it yourself, the property cannot be re-let for a minimum of 12 months. This measure aims to prevent landlords from misrepresenting their intentions to secure higher rents.
We advise landlords to monitor any further amendments to these rules, particularly regarding the process of re-letting after the 12-month period has elapsed.
As noted, there are a number of other significant changes proposed under the Renters’ Rights Bill 2025, and we will be providing further information and commentary. These include in relation to fixed term tenancies (which will no longer be available and which will impact existing arrangements).
At Clarke & Son Solicitors, our litigation experts are here to guide you through these upcoming changes. Whether you’re planning to regain possession of your property, manage rent increases, or address other tenancy matters, we offer tailored advice to help you remain compliant while protecting your interests.
For more detailed information on the Renters’ Rights Bill, visit the official Guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill - GOV.UK.
If you have any specific questions about these changes or need legal support, please contact our Dispute Resolution department today.
