Brace for change as the Renters’ Rights Bill takes further steps towards implementation

Much has been written about the Renters' Rights Bill and the considerable impact it will have on those letting residential property.  The Bill has made significant progress through Parliament, completing its passage through the Commons, and is set to reach the committee stage in the Lords in late April.

The Bill aims to transform the private residential letting regime, abolishing section 21 'no fault' evictions, among other reforms.  The most common question now, from both landlords and tenants alike, is when will provisions of the Bill actually come into effect?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is still unclear. The popular view is that, with a following wind, the Bill will receive Royal Assent and become the Renters' Rights Act 2025 at the end of July, shortly before the Summer Parliamentary recess.   

However, whilst Royal Assent will undoubtedly mark significant progress, the reforms will not come into force until the commencement date, which will be determined by the Secretary of State.  This date is crucial as it will act as a single "big bang" date after which the new regime of periodic tenancies will come into effect for both old and new tenancies. 

As to the likely commencement date, the sector is very much hoping that the Government will honour its pledge to "provide the sector with sufficient notice of the system taking effect and work closely with all parties to ensure a smooth transition".  This, together with the need for further statutory instruments to set out the various forms, regulations and procedures required to implement the new regime, would now seem to point towards a commencement date of Autumn / Winter 2025 or perhaps even early 2026.