The Renters’ Rights Bill passes Royal Assent

The Renters’ Rights Bill Passes Royal Assent – What Landlords Should Do Now to Stay Ahead

With the Renters’ Rights Bill received Royal Assent on 27th October 2025, landlords across the country are bracing for the biggest shift in the private rental sector in decades. But this isn’t all bad news — in fact, for professional landlords who act early, these reforms can bring real benefits: clearer rules, stronger tenancies, and a more level playing field between good landlords and the rogue operators who’ve long damaged the industry’s reputation.

At Beecroft Estates, we believe that being prepared is the new competitive edge. So, here’s what you should know and do now to stay ahead before the Bill comes fully into force in 2026.

Key Changes Every Landlord Should Be Aware Of

1. ASTs Will Be Replaced by APTs
Once implemented, the familiar Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) will be replaced with an Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT). This change will standardise the tenancy structure across the private rented sector.
Landlords and agents must ensure tenancy agreements, documents, and systems are updated correctly. Using outdated AST templates could lead to serious compliance issues — with potential fines ranging from £7,000 to £40,000, and even rent repayment orders.

2. Section 21 Will Be Abolished
The end of “no-fault evictions” means landlords will need valid grounds to regain possession. While this might sound daunting, the Bill strengthens other possession routes, particularly where there are issues such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or genuine plans to sell. Having robust records and good property management in place will be key.

3. Rent Increases Will Be More Regulated
Rent reviews will move to a single annual process, following formal notice periods and new rules to ensure increases are fair and transparent. Good communication with tenants — and accurate market appraisals — will help avoid disputes and maintain income stability.

4. Property Standards and Landlord Redress
Minimum housing standards will align more closely with social housing, and landlords will need to join a new national landlord register. This could make compliance checks simpler in the long term — but only for those who are organised from day one.

How to Get Ahead Before 2026

• Audit your tenancy agreements now. Don’t wait until 2026 to discover your documents are out of date.
• Review rent and possession processes. Make sure you’re using the correct grounds and notice formats.
• Plan for digital record-keeping. A central register means your documentation will need to be in good order.
• Partner with a professional managing agent. An experienced agency like Beecroft Estates can handle compliance, notices, and tenancy updates — keeping you on the right side of the law and saving you costly mistakes.

Stay Positive — and Stay Prepared

These reforms are designed to create a fairer, more transparent private rented sector. Landlords who manage their portfolios professionally and keep up with the changes will find that the coming years bring more stability, better-quality tenants, and fewer disputes.

At Beecroft Estates, we’re already preparing for the transition — updating our tenancy templates, systems, and advice ready for 2026.

Contact Beecroft Estates today for guidance on preparing your portfolio, and look out for our upcoming blog updates where we’ll break down each change in more detail as Royal Assent approaches.