Renters’ Rights Bill: Royal Assent imminent

The Renters’ Rights Bill will be back in the Commons for final approval next Wednesday – the final step before the Bill receives Royal Assent and moves into law. 

Once the Commons agrees on the final wording of the Bill, Royal Assent – which sees the Bill signed into law by the king – can happen almost immediately. 

The news comes after the House of Lords rejected three key amendments earlier this week. 

This essentially means the Bill has been finalised - with any further detail coming through secondary legislation after Royal Assent.  

What happens next? 

The Government has yet to say whether it will confirm an implementation date for provisions to be introduced at Royal Assent, or at later date. 

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook  is on record as saying landlords and tenants will be given ‘sufficient notice’ to prepare for the new Act, but Ministers have, as yet, failed to give any further detail. 

Based on previous statements from the Government, we expect tenancy reforms to be the first changes to be introduced, on a given ‘commencement date’ – with other provisions, such as the introduction of ombudsman and landlord database to come later. 

We are continuing to press the Government to confirm its timetable for change, to allow you the time you need to prepare – arguing this should be a minimum of six months for the first tranche of changes. 

How can I get ready? 

There are a few things you can do to get ahead of the curve and make sure you’re ready for the changes to come into effect:  

• Review your portfolio  

• Inspect your properties and address any potential hazards  

• Update your processes around tenant referencing, advertising, and logging complaints/issues  

• If you use an agent to let or manage your property, check that they are ready for the changes  

We also have a wide range of resources to help you. 

You can check out our Renters’ Rights Bill Hub for FAQs and guidance and can also join the thousands of landlords who have already taken our Renters’ Rights Bill training courses. Click here for more information.   

We would also invite you join the NRLA and guests including property guru Sarah Beeny at our annual Housing Conference next month, where we’ll be exploring the ways in which you can best navigate the changes up ahead.