Leading agents have advised the industry to get ready for the Renters Rights Bill – which may become law this week.
Greg Tsuman, a former leader at ARLA Propertymark and Managing Director for Lettings at Martyn Gerrard Estate Agents, says lettings agents must become educators for their clients.
“While the Bill undoubtedly falls short of striking a fair balance and will likely make life harder for tenants through unintended – or perhaps otherwise – consequences, we must now pivot to preparation” he suggests.
“The focus must shift to educating both landlords and tenants so they can adapt ahead of … a full rollout, which is likely to happen by April next year.
“The key challenge will be preventing landlords from selling en masse, a scenario which could trigger unprecedented upward pressure on already record-high rents. If landlords continue to sell without supply being replaced, rents will only move in one direction – up.”
He adds that managing property is no longer a passive investment; it’s a full-time job. With regulation tightening and compliance becoming more complex, landlords will need to quickly upskill or turn to qualified, professional agents to manage their portfolios effectively.
Meanwhile Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director at LRG, comments: “With the Renters’ Rights Bill now heading for Royal Assent, the framework for reforming the private rented sector is finally clear.
“The abolition of Section 21, the move to periodic tenancies and new grounds for possession will all reshape how landlords let and manage their properties. What we don’t yet know is when these measures will take effect, and clarity on the implementation timetable is now essential so landlords can prepare with confidence.
“While it’s encouraging to finally see progress, it’s disappointing that many of the practical, evidence-based suggestions put forward by those working in the sector, and by members of the House of Lords, were not fully considered.
“Constructive engagement with industry experts would have strengthened the Bill and ensured smoother implementation.
“At LRG, we’ve been analysing every stage of the Bill to ensure our landlords understand exactly what’s changing and how it will affect them. We’re already training teams across the country, and producing practical guidance on what landlords should do now to stay compliant once commencement dates are confirmed.
“The Bill’s aim is to create a fairer, more transparent rental system. That will only be achieved if the government provides realistic timescales and clear communication, and we’ll continue to work with landlords, tenants and policymakers to make sure these reforms are implemented in a way that works in practice.”
The Renters Rights Bill will be back in the Commons for final approval on Wednesday this week.
Once the Commons agrees on the final wording of the Bill, which is expected to happen after a short debate on Wednesday, the Bill can then signed into law by the King. This is expected to happen almost immediately.
