What Landlords Need to Know: Key Takeaways from Our Recent Webinar on the Renters' Rights Bill

The private rental market is on the cusp of big changes, and if you're a landlord, it's time to get prepared. On 8 April 2025, Angharad Trueman, Group Lettings Director at Andrews Property Group and President of ARLA Propertymark, hosted a webinar to help landlords make sense of what’s coming.

She was joined by Patrick Ansell, Partner and Head of Property Litigation at Taylor Rose Solicitors, and together they unpacked the potential impact of the Renters' Rights Bill, explored wider market trends, and shared practical steps landlords can start taking now.

If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry. We’ve pulled together the key insights below.

The Rental Market: Already Under Pressure

Even before the Renters' Rights Bill comes into effect, the rental sector is already dealing with serious pressure from policy changes to financial strain.

Policy Changes That Can’t Be Ignored 

The Renters' Rights Bill is set to change the landscape in a big way, rebalancing the relationship between landlords and tenants. And it’s not just this bill. Tighter energy efficiency standards are also on the horizon, with all rental homes needing to achieve at least a C rating by 2028. The challenge? Nearly 45% of current rentals fall short of that standard, meaning many landlords may face costly upgrades or risk not being able to let their properties at all.

Financial Pressures Are Mounting 

Add rising mortgage rates and less favourable tax treatment into the mix, and it’s clear why many landlords are feeling the pinch. These financial headwinds have stalled growth in the rental market. The number of rental homes has stayed flat at around 5.5 million since 2016, making it even harder for tenants to find homes.

The Energy Efficiency Challenge 

This is a particularly tricky one. Around 20% of rental homes are currently rated E, F or G on their Energy Performance Certificate. Without significant investment, many of these properties could fall out of the market completely. And that has real implications not just for landlords, but also for tenants on lower incomes, who often rely on these more affordable homes.

Breaking Down the Renters Rights Bill

During the webinar, we looked closely at what the bill proposes and what it means for landlords.

Section 21  

One of the biggest changes? Section 21 "no-fault" evictions are being scrapped. This means landlords will no longer be able to end tenancies without giving a reason. All tenancies will automatically start as rolling agreements, giving tenants more security and stability.

Stronger (But Stricter) Grounds for Eviction 

In place of Section 21, the government is expanding Section 8 grounds for possession from 17 to 36. This gives landlords more defined legal routes to regain possession of a property, for example in cases of antisocial behaviour or serious rent arrears, but the requirements will be tougher and more specific. One important change: the threshold for eviction due to unpaid rent is likely to rise to three months.

More Protections for Tenants 

Tenants will also benefit from new protections. Rent increases will be limited to once a year, with formal notice required. Landlords won’t be allowed to discriminate against tenants with children or those on benefits. Plus, tenants will have the right to request pets, although landlords can still apply reasonable conditions.

New Legal Responsibilities for Landlords 

There’s also a big shift in landlord obligations. Landlords will need to join a mandatory Ombudsman scheme, which will give tenants an official channel for complaints and could lead to compensation orders. Properties must also meet the Decent Homes Standard and comply with Awaab’s Law, which introduces strict timeframes for fixing hazards like damp and mould. All of this is likely to increase scrutiny and could mean longer processes for repossessions, especially since court hearings will be mandatory for eviction cases.

What Can Landlords Do Now?

The message from the webinar was clear: don’t wait. There are steps you can take today to protect your properties and stay compliant.

Talk to Your Tenants

Keeping the lines of communication open with tenants will go a long way. Make sure they understand their rights and responsibilities under the new rules. It’ll help build trust and avoid misunderstandings down the line.

Stay On Top of Maintenance

Regular inspections are more important than ever. Spotting and dealing with issues early will help ensure your property meets the new standards and reduce the risk of costly disputes.

Review Your Policies

Take a close look at your tenancy agreements and operational processes. Make sure they’re up to date with what’s coming. If you haven’t already, consider rent protection insurance. It could be a lifesaver if arrears start to build.

Keep Learning

This bill isn’t law yet, and things could still change. Keep an eye on developments and set a regular time each year to review rent levels, compliance checklists, and legal procedures. Staying informed is your best defence.

We're Here to Help 

At Andrews Property Group, we know how overwhelming all of this can feel, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. As we await further updates on the Renters Rights Bill, we’ll continue to keep you informed every step of the way.

If you have questions about how the changes could affect your property or tenants, contact your local branch. And don’t forget, we’re currently offering a Free Tenancy Compliance Health Check. Now is the time to make sure your portfolio is ready for what’s ahead.