September, 2025
The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to transform the private rental sector, bringing in sweeping changes for landlords and letting agents. Once it comes into force, failing to comply with the new rules could leave landlords facing hefty fines of up to £40,000.
To help you prepare, we’ve pulled together a straightforward overview, with a checklist and a summary table of the most important changes.
While the Bill is still going through Parliament (last updated after the House of Lords committee amendments on 15 May 2025), it’s clear that landlords will face a much tougher compliance landscape.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
A quick overview of the major changes under the Renters’ Rights Bill
A checklist for landlords letting out new properties once the Bill is in force
An ongoing compliance checklist for existing tenancies
Key transition arrangements landlords should be aware of
Final thoughts on preparing for what’s ahead
The table below highlights some of the biggest differences between the current rules and the new framework once the Bill is enacted.
Local authorities will be responsible for enforcement and can issue civil penalties of up to £7,000 for a first offence, rising to £40,000 for repeat or serious breaches. In some cases, landlords may also face rent repayment orders.
| Step | Current Position | Under the Renters’ Rights Bill | New Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Register property on PRS Landlord Database | N/A | Mandatory | Up to £40,000 + rent repayment order |
| Register as a landlord on PRS Landlord Database | N/A | Mandatory | Up to £40,000 + rent repayment order |
| Register with PRS Landlord Ombudsman | N/A | Mandatory | Up to £40,000 + rent repayment order |
| Meet PRS Decent Homes Standard | Only applies in social housing | Mandatory | HHSRS penalties |
| Create fixed term tenancy | Allowed | Banned | Up to £40,000 |
| State “proposed rent” in listing | Optional | Mandatory | Up to £40,000 |
| Rent payment frequency | Flexible | No more than monthly | – |
| Accept offers above proposed rent | Allowed | Banned | Up to £40,000 |
| Longer first “month” to adjust rent date | Allowed | No | Unenforceable |
| Rent in advance | Allowed | Banned (before tenancy signed) | Breach of TFA 2019 |
| Rent review clause | Allowed | Not permitted | – |
| Rent change via addendum | Allowed | Only via s13 notice | – |
| “No DSS” / refusing applicants on benefits | Sometimes used | Banned (income checks still allowed) | Up to £40,000 |
| Refusing families | Sometimes used | Banned (unless proportionate) | Up to £40,000 |
| Eviction without grounds (s21) | Allowed | Abolished – only via s8 | Up to £40,000 |
| Tenants’ right to keep a pet (if reasonable) | Not a right | Permitted | – |
? Register yourself and the property on the PRS Landlord Database
? Sign up with the PRS Ombudsman
? Ensure the property meets the Decent Homes Standard
? State a proposed rent in all listings
? Do not accept bids above the proposed rent
? Tenancies must be periodic (no fixed terms)
? Review your advertising – no blanket bans on benefits or families
? Prepare for pet requests (must be reasonable to refuse)
Keep all landlord and property registrations up to date
Make sure tenancy agreements do not include rent review clauses
Only change rent using the Section 13 process
Monitor property standards to ensure compliance with Decent Homes Standard
Ensure notice periods align with the new rules for tenants
Details of transition rules are still being finalised, but landlords should prepare now by:
Reviewing tenancy agreements to identify where changes will be needed
Planning ahead for the end of Section 21 evictions
Budgeting for potential property upgrades to meet the new Decent Homes Standard
The Renters’ Rights Bill represents one of the biggest shake-ups in the private rental sector for decades. For landlords, the message is clear: be proactive, get compliant early, and avoid costly fines.
