Renters Reform Bill 2025 Is Now Law: What Landlords and Letting Agents Must Do Next

The Renters Reform Bill 2025 Is Now Law: What It Means for Landlords and Letting Agents

The Renters Reform Bill 2025 has officially passed into law, bringing the most meaningful changes to the private rental sector in over 30 years. For landlords and letting agents, this represents a shift in how homes are let, managed, and experienced. But it doesn’t need to be overwhelming or stressful.

With the right information and a practical plan, landlords can feel confident about what comes next. And with experienced local agents like RA Flatt Residential Lettings supporting you, there’s every reason to stay ahead rather than fall behind.

What’s Changing and Why It Matters

When the bill was first introduced, it raised questions and some uncertainty. Now that it has passed, we can see the government’s intention clearly. The aim is to create a more transparent, fair and consistent experience for tenants while helping professional landlords thrive through better structure and clarity.

• The end of Section 21 is one of the biggest changes. The section 21 eviction ban explained for landlords – Landlords will no longer be able to ask tenants to leave without giving a reason. Instead, tenancies must now end using specific grounds under Section 8, such as if you plan to sell the property or if a tenant has breached their agreement.
• Fixed-term tenancies are also being replaced with open-ended ones. Tenants will be able to leave with one month’s notice once they’ve lived in the property for six months, and landlords will need to follow legal processes to regain possession.
• What landlords need to do for the new rental laws – Tenants can now request to keep a pet, and landlords are required to consider it. While landlords can still request pet insurance, blanket bans without a valid reason will no longer be allowed.
• All landlords will be required to join a redress scheme, giving tenants a formal route to raise concerns. And a new government property portal is being introduced to simplify compliance and improve transparency. Landlords will upload essential documentation, and the portal will help local councils enforce legal requirements more effectively.

When the Changes Take Effect

The new rules will be introduced gradually, so landlords have time to prepare.

• Section 21 will be phased out for new tenancies from October 2025. Existing tenancies must comply by the end of 2026.
• From January 2026, all landlords will need to be registered with a redress scheme. The new property portal will begin rolling out regionally in April 2026, and all properties must be registered by the end of that year.

How Landlords Can Prepare Without the Stress

This isn’t about starting from scratch. It’s about tightening up the way things are done, making sure paperwork is in order, and keeping in line with best practices.

Start by reviewing tenancy agreements. They should reflect the updated legislation, especially the end of fixed terms and the need for fair notice periods. You’ll also want to understand how the new Section 8 works, and what steps are needed to serve notice legally and fairly.

If you haven’t already considered how to respond to pet requests, now is the time. You can still set reasonable conditions, but you’ll need to be ready to reply within 28 days and provide a valid reason if saying no.

Preparing for the redress scheme and property portal is also important. Start collecting the documents you’ll need to register — EPCs, gas safety certificates, deposit protection proof, and any licensing details. Getting ahead of this will save time and stress when the deadlines arrive.

RA Flatt Residential Lettings Is Here to Support You

At RA Flatt Residential Lettings, we’ve been preparing for these changes from the outset. We believe good landlords deserve great support, and these new rules are simply a way to help bring consistency across the industry.

Our team can help make sure your tenancy agreements are compliant, your paperwork is ready, and your processes are future-proof. We take care of the details; from handling notice periods and deposit schemes to processing pet requests and ensuring legal notices are served correctly.

We work closely with landlords across Cheltenham and the surrounding areas to help them stay ahead of regulation while offering a first-class service to their tenants. With our proactive approach, you can be confident that you’re not only compliant, but also set up for long-term success.

Avoiding Risks and Staying Protected

Failing to follow the new rules could result in fines of up to £5,000 per property. Trying to evict a tenant using outdated processes could lead to delays, legal costs, and loss of income.

But this doesn’t need to happen. These changes are manageable, especially with the right support. Most of the reforms reflect practices that many landlords and agents already follow. What’s changing is that they’re becoming mandatory.

If you’re managing your own portfolio, this is the right time to consider whether that still makes sense. Working with a trusted, experienced letting agent can remove the pressure and give you peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: A Chance to Lead the Way

The Renters’ Reform Bill is not about punishing landlords. It’s about raising standards across the sector and creating a better experience for everyone involved. For landlords who already take their responsibilities seriously, it’s an opportunity to strengthen how you operate and reassure your tenants that they’re in safe hands.

With the right partner by your side, adapting to the new law becomes not just easier — it becomes a chance to lead.

RA Flatt Residential Lettings is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re reviewing your agreements, preparing for the redress scheme, or just want reassurance that your approach is sound, we’re ready when you are.

Get in touch today to find out how we can support your rental business in this new chapter.