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ARTICLE · 16 OCTOBER 2024

The Renters' Rights Bill – What Changes Has Labour Made?

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP
Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP
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Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP

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The Renters' Rights Bill, set to become law in 2024, introduces significant changes for landlords, including the end of Section 21 evictions, new grounds for possession, restrictions on rent increases, and a ban on rent bidding.

United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
Marissa Lawrence
Marissa Lawrence

On 11 September 2024, the Government published the long-anticipated Renters' Rights Bill. It is expected that this legislation will become an Act before the new year.

There are several key elements in the Bill that landlords should familiarise themselves with now to prepare for its impact.

The End of Section 21

It's now official that Section 21 'no-fault' evictions are being phased out.

The Bill aims to achieve this by abolishing Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) and replacing them with Periodic Assured Tenancies, with a maximum term of one month. This significant shift means that landlords will no longer be able to recover possession using Section 21.

At a future date, which will be specified in legislation, all ASTs in England—whether statutory, periodic, or fixed-term—will convert into Periodic Assured Tenancies, unless Section 21 proceedings are already in progress. This date is likely to come soon after the Bill receives Royal Assent, in line with

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