The government’s Renters’ Rights Bill has now officially become law, following Royal Assent last week. This new Act introduces a range of significant changes that will affect private landlords across England.

While details on how and when the new rules will come into force are still to be announced, the following overview outlines some of the key measures that will be introduced.

End of Section 21 Evictions

One of the most important developments is the removal of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.

This does not mean landlords will be unable to evict tenants, but it does restrict the circumstances in which they can do so.

Tenancy Structure

The Act will replace most existing tenancy types with a single system of periodic (rolling) tenancies.

This means that fixed-term contracts of 12 or 24 months will no longer be available. Tenants will be able to give two months’ notice at any time, rather than being tied to a tenancy for a year or longer.

New Ombudsman and Registration Requirements

A Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will be established to manage tenant complaints. Membership will be compulsory for landlords, and the ombudsman’s rulings will be legally binding.

In addition, a new Private Rented Sector Database will be introduced. This aims to help landlords understand their legal responsibilities and demonstrate compliance. Tenants will be able to consult the database when deciding whether to enter into a tenancy agreement. Registration on the database may also be required before landlords can use certain grounds for repossession.

Other Measures

Further reforms will include:

• A ban on rental bidding, requiring landlords to advertise a fixed rent and preventing them from accepting offers above that figure.

• A prohibition on refusing tenants on the grounds that they have children or receive benefits.

• Stronger tenant rights to request a pet in the property, which landlords must consider and cannot unreasonably decline.

• The extension of the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, setting higher expectations for property condition and repair timescales.

• Enhanced local authority enforcement powers, including expanded civil penalties, new investigatory powers and obligations for local authorities to report on their enforcement activity.

Implementation Details

Further information on how and when the new law will be implemented is expected in the coming weeks.