Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025
Now that the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025) has been granted Royal Assent, the landscape of the private rented sector in England will change significantly. The RRA 2025 will introduce reforms that will alter the foundations of how tenancies are created, managed and ended, moving away from fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies and relying on a section 21 notice to bring a tenancy to an end, towards assured periodic tenancies, statutory processes for increasing rent, to the new version of the section 8 notice.
Overview of House of Lords Committee Stage - the Renters' Rights Bill
From the 22nd April to the 14th May 2025, the House of Lords undertook a meticulous clause-by-clause review of the Renters’ Rights Bill across six sittings at Committee Stage. Each session brought forward proposed amendments, clarifications, and constructive scrutiny intended to reinforce the legislative framework, improve the Bill's enforceability, and ensure a balanced approach between tenant protection and landlord responsibility.
Committee Day 1 – 22 April 2025
Key Themes: Definitions
Peers debated the definition and removal of assured shorthold tenancies.
There was also a push to ensure that the reformed tenancy structure maintains clarity and enforceability, particularly regarding the rights of possession and eviction, to prevent unintended disruption to housing associations and local authorities.