The Renters’ Rights Bill (often called the Renters’ Reform Bill) is moving through Parliament and is expected to receive Royal Assent in 2026. It will overhaul the private rented sector in England. Key measures include: • Abolition of Section 21 and periodic tenancies.Fixed‑term assured shorthold tenancies will be abolished; all future tenancies will be periodic, giving tenants the right to stay until they decide to leave. Section 21 “no‑fault” evictions will end. Landlords will have to rely on fault‑based or legitimate grounds such as rent arrears, selling or moving back in. • Fair rent rules. Rent increases will be limited to once per year and tenants will be able to challenge excessive increases via a tribunal. • Private Rented Sector (PRS) Ombudsman and digital database. A new ombudsman will provide quick, binding resolution of tenant complaints, and a digital PRS database will require landlords to register their properties. • Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law. The Decent Homes Standard will be extended to the private sector, and landlords must rectify serious hazards such as damp and mould within set timeframes. • Right to keep pets and anti‑discrimination rules.Landlords must consider reasonable pet requests and cannot use blanket bans on tenants with children or those receiving benefits. • Ban on rent bidding. It will be illegal to ask for or accept rent above the advertised amount. The Bill’s progress and practical implications As of September 2025, the Bill has completed scrutiny in the House of Lords and returned to the Commons for final consideration; Royal Assent and implementation will be phased. Although some measures may not apply immediately, landlords should prepare now. Letting agents will no longer be bystanders. The Bill makes agents directly liable for compliance failures. Agents can be fined if properties they manage lack required documents, licences or safety standards. A mandatory landlord register will require agents to verify that their landlords are registered. Many smaller landlords may struggle to navigate these rules, making professional guidance crucial. Good agents will help landlords by: • Monitoring legislative updates and ensuring the property and paperwork meet new requirements. • Advising on transitioning fixed‑term agreements to periodic tenancies and serving the correct Section 8 notice when needed. • Managing rent reviews, serving Section 13 notices and handling tenant appeals. • Registering properties on the PRS database and liaising with the new ombudsman. • Adapting marketing and tenancy agreements to comply with the ban on rental bidding and new pet rules. With penalties for non‑compliance rising, a qualified agent is the safest way to navigate the Renters’ Rights Bill.