The long-awaited Renters’ Rights Bill is now on the brink of becoming law. On Wednesday, the Bill will return to the House of Commons for its final round of approval. Once MPs agree on the final wording — which is expected after a brief debate — the Bill will move to the next stage: Royal Assent. This is the moment when the King formally signs the Bill into law, and according to current expectations, that could happen almost immediately after the Commons gives the green light.

What happened in the House of Lords?

Last week, the House of Lords — the upper chamber of Parliament — reviewed the proposed legislation and voted on a number of amendments. Several suggestions aimed at “balancing” the Bill were rejected by peers, maintaining stronger protections for tenants. Here’s a breakdown of what was decided:

No change to the “no re-let” period

A proposal to shorten the period a landlord must wait before re-letting a property after evicting a tenant to sell it — from 12 months down to 6 months — was rejected.

This means landlords will still be barred from renting the property again for a full year if they evict a tenant to sell. The government argues this helps prevent misuse of the rule by landlords who might otherwise use “selling” as an excuse to remove tenants unfairly.

Protection for postgraduate and mature students

Another amendment sought to extend “student possession” grounds — the rules allowing landlords to reclaim student housing at the end of the academic year — to include one- and two-bedroom homes. The Lords voted against this, noting it could leave postgraduate and mature students vulnerable to eviction once their courses end.

No extra pet deposit

The Lords also rejected a proposal that would have allowed landlords to charge an additional pet deposit. The consensus was that the current cap of five weeks’ rent as a security deposit already provides sufficient coverage for potential pet-related damage. This is a win for renters with pets, ensuring affordability and fairness.

Carer housing proposal turned down

Finally, peers dismissed a suggested new “possession ground” that would have allowed landlords to evict tenants to make room for a live-in carer. Lawmakers feared such a clause could be too easily abused as a loophole to remove tenants under false pretences.

What happens next?

With the Lords’ votes now concluded, all eyes turn back to the House of Commons for Wednesday’s final debate and approval. Once the Commons agrees on the Bill’s final wording, it will head to Royal Assent, at which point it officially becomes law.

However, the government has not yet announced when the new measures will actually come into effect. Some parts of the Bill could be implemented immediately, while others may be introduced in stages over the coming months.

Why the Renters' Rights Bill matters

The Renters’ Rights Bill represents one of the most significant reforms to England’s private rental sector in decades. Its goal is to rebalance power between landlords and tenants, improving security for renters while ensuring fair treatment for property owners.

For tenants, it means stronger protections against unfair evictions, more clarity on deposits and pets, and better long-term housing security.

For landlords, it aims to simplify legal processes while encouraging responsible property management.

With Royal Assent just around the corner, both tenants and landlords should prepare for a new era in renting, one that aims to create a more stable and transparent housing market.

Key takeaway

If you rent or let a property, now’s the time to stay informed. Once the Renters’ Rights Bill receives Royal Assent, the rules of renting in England will start to change — possibly sooner than you think!

Do you have any questions or concerns about the Renters' Rights Bill and how it affects you? Or perhaps you are considering the options for managing your rental properties? Call us on 0161 511 5339 or complete our contact form to talk to one of our rental property experts.