On Monday, 8th September 2025, MPs debated amendments for the Renters’ Rights Bill; however, the majority were rejected.
Despite a final round of debate and a slew of proposed changes, the Renters’ Rights Bill is now on the fast track to becoming law with few alterations.
In a parliamentary session on Monday, 8th September 8, MPs debated amendments from across all parties, but the majority were rejected, leaving many in the private rented sector feeling that their concerns have been ignored.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook stressed that the Bill needs to receive Royal Assent as soon as possible.
The housing minister said: “This Government were elected with a clear mandate to do what the Conservatives failed to do in the last Parliament—namely, to modernise the regulation of our country’s insecure and unjust private rented sector, and empower private renters by providing them with greater security rights and protections. Our Renters’ Rights Bill does just that, and it needs to receive Royal Assent as quickly as possible so that England’s 11 million private renters can benefit from its provisions.”
On the other side, Conservatives, led by Shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly, argued that the Bill is “entirely counterproductive” and will drive landlords out of the market.
Sir James Cleverly said: “It is entirely counterproductive, as has been recognised and highlighted by their lordships in the other place. The Bill risks driving private landlords out of the sector, reducing the supply of private rented accommodation and pushing up rents for those in the private rented sector. Limiting the supply of such accommodation means limiting the options for tenants in the private rented sector, and leaving them worse off.”
You can read the full debate here or check out the key highlights below:
Around twenty non-government amendments to the Bill were rejected.
No-Fault Evictions
The government upheld its stance that Section 21 no-fault evictions will be abolished, with all fixed-term tenancies automatically converting to periodic tenancies once the Bill comes into effect. Pennycook assured that a “smooth transition” would be provided to help landlords and tenants adjust.
Pets
The government rejected a proposal to allow landlords to request a separate “pet damage deposit” of up to three weeks’ rent. They argued that the existing five-week deposit cap is sufficient and that an additional fee would be unaffordable for many tenants.
Property Sales
An amendment to reduce the re-letting ban from twelve months to six months for landlords whose property sale falls through was also rejected. This means if a landlord evicts a tenant to sell a property, but the sale doesn’t go through, they still cannot re-let it for a full year.
Student Housing
While purpose-built student housing will be exempt from the new rules and can continue to offer fixed-term tenancies, an amendment to extend this exemption to one- and two-bedroom student properties was rejected.
What Amendments Were Approved?
Despite a wave of rejections and what feels like dismissals of landlord concerns, the government did approve a few of its own amendments, including one that gives landlords a three-month grace period to evict tenants, provided the notice is served before the Bill becomes law.
The Bill is also expected to grant the Secretary of State powers to adjust rent increase rules if backlogs build up in the courts, and allow councils to inspect properties without prior notice.
Assuming there are no further amendments, the Bill will now be sent to the King for Royal Assent. While the government plans to launch a campaign to help prepare the sector, industry leaders remain sceptical.
As industry experts predict the Renters’ Rights Bill timeline, only one in six landlords feels ‘prepared’ for the introduction of the Bill, according to a new survey from Cavendish Estate & Lettings Agency.
If you’re one of those landlords, join the free LIS Members community to access exclusive content and helpful advice from industry experts on adapting to the Renters’ Rights Bill. Watch panel debates recorded live from the National Landlord Investment Show and learn from those who are in the know about the Bill.
Impact on Renters
While landlords are feeling the pressure, interestingly, a recent study by Housing Hand, a UK rental services provider, reveals a significant knowledge gap among private renters regarding the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill and its impact on tenants.
The research shows that a staggering 69% of private renters are unaware of the proposed legislation, and 75% don’t understand how it will impact them. This highlights the urgent need for more support and clear communication to ensure renters are fully informed about their rights and the changes coming to the private rental market.
Stay Informed: Renters’ Rights Bill Updates
Getting to grips with the ins and outs of the Renters’ Rights Bill is essential for landlords and property investors. The National Landlord Investment Show’s free membership provides timely updates and expert analysis, ensuring you stay ahead of regulatory changes and understand their impact on your investments. Join now for free and stay up-to-date with the Renters’ Rights Bill.
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