The date for the Renters’ Rights Bill becoming law (known as Royal Assent) has been pushed into early autumn 2025, with no scheduled time for debate before MPs break for the summer recess. The final debate of the Bill in the Lords lasted only 20 minutes and it now moves to the Commons.

Royal Assent won’t be granted until after the summer break, and debates in the Commons on the Lords’ amendments have been scheduled for the week of the MPs’ return commencing 8 September 2025. The Labour Party due to its large majority has the power to reverse the Lords’ amendments. The Bill could potentially be signed off shortly before the 16 September recess when MPs break for the party conferences.

An implementation date has yet to be announced which is the date after Royal Assent when the Bill becomes effective and enforceable. However, even after the implementation date, rollout of certain measures may continue into 2026 onwards, especially for more complex elements like the proposed landlord and agent database and Decent Homes Standard.

  • July 2025 – The Bill completes its journey through the Lords.
  • Early September 2025 – MPs return to the Commons to review the Lords’ amendments.
  • Mid‑September 2025 – Likely window for Royal Assent of the Bill.
  • Late 2025 onwards – Implementation date for the phased commencement of the Bill.
  • 2026 onwards – Later introduction of landlord and agent database and housing standards.

During its way through the Lords over 300 amendments were proposed. Key amendments made to the Bill by the Lords and Government included:

  • Amendment by the Lords proposing that all landlords with student properties, not just HMO landlords, can use Ground 4A to bring a tenancy to an end between June and September.
  • Withdrawal by the Government of the right for landlords to request the tenant take out pet insurance or charge the tenant for pet insurance.
  • Amendment by the Lords for a new three-week pet deposit rather than forbidding deposits entirely.
  • Amendment by the Lords for reduction of the re‑letting restriction for repossessed homes after a failed sale from 12 months to 6 months.
  • Amendment by the Lords raising the burden of proof for civil penalties for rental discrimination from a “balance of probabilities” to “beyond reasonable doubt”.
  • Introduction by the Government of powers for new no-notice inspections of properties.