The Renters’ Reform Bill is set to be the most significant shake-up of the private rented sector in decades. While the final legislation is still being debated, its direction is clear: fairer tenancies, fewer evictions, and a more transparent relationship between landlords and tenants.

That doesn’t mean landlords should worry, but it does mean landlords should be ready. This bill applies only in England and primarily affects Assured Shorthold Tenancies. Forward-thinking landlords are reviewing their processes to future-proof their lettings.

1. Prepare for the end of Section 21
The headline change is the proposed abolition of ‘no-fault’ evictions under Section 21. All evictions will need to be justified under Section 8, using specific grounds (e.g., rent arrears, breach of tenancy, wanting to sell).

Preparation steps:

• Audit your tenancy documentation to ensure it’s fair and up to date.
• Document everything: inspections, communications, complaints, and responses to create a paper trail.
• Ensure deposit protection certificates, gas safety records, and How to Rent guides are correctly issued and logged.

2. Move towards periodic tenancies confidently
The Bill proposes that all tenancies will become periodic by default—rolling monthly agreements with no fixed end date. For landlords used to fixed terms, this may feel like a loss of structure, but periodic tenancies actually offer flexibility for both parties.

Landlord insight: With a reliable tenant, periodic tenancies reduce admin while still allowing reasonable notice for rent increases, property sales, or repossession—all within a clearer, balanced process.

3. Strengthen your compliance
The Bill raises the bar on landlord responsibilities. A new Property Portal may act as a central register to prove compliance.

Your compliance admin check:

• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) within five years.
• Annual gas safety certificate.
• EPC rating of E or above (plan for C as the future benchmark).
• Smoke and CO alarms properly installed and tested.
• Deposit properly registered and prescribed information served.

Proactive compliance builds trust and avoids disputes before they start.

4. Penalties: what’s at stake?
Fines for non-compliance will rise, and rogue landlord lists will become more visible. Avoid penalties by staying organised, acting fairly, and treating your property like a professional business.

Change is coming, but it doesn’t have to be disruptive. By adopting a structured, documented, and people-focused approach now, landlords can adapt confidently and stand out as trusted professionals.

Ready to future-proof your tenancies? Let’s talk.