King Charles III has today given Royal Assent to the long-debated Renters’ Rights Bill, officially transforming it into law. The landmark legislation, now known as the Renters’ Rights Act, is set to overhaul the private rental market across England. A formal parliamentary announcement is expected later today.
Almost two years ago, former housing secretary Michael Gove promised a major shake-up of the private rented sector. His plans were left unfinished during the final months of the Rishi Sunak government, but Labour has since revived and accelerated the reforms.
With a strong majority in Parliament, Labour’s version of the Bill passed quickly through both Houses, paving the way for one of the most significant pieces of housing legislation in decades.
The Government will now begin the process of implementing the new Act. This includes introducing secondary legislation and updating existing regulations to match the changes.
According to Housing Secretary Steve Reed, a timetable detailing when each part of the law will come into force will be published shortly. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Reed said this would give landlords, letting agents, and tenants clarity about when the reforms will take full effect.
The Act introduces sweeping changes to how the private rental sector is regulated. Among the most significant are:
While tenant groups such as Shelter and Generation Rent have pushed for immediate implementation, the Government insists the transition must be managed carefully to avoid disruption.
Industry figures have warned that the courts and local authorities are not yet equipped to handle the expected increase in cases and administrative demands.
The changes could make evictions slower and more expensive, with letting agents and landlords facing additional compliance burdens.
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), described the Act as a pivotal moment for the rental market.
“After years of debate and uncertainty, today marks an important milestone for the private rented sector. The industry now needs clarity on how the reforms will be rolled out,” Beadle said.
He called for a minimum of six months’ notice before full implementation and urged the Government to ensure the system works for both tenants and responsible landlords.
“This is the most significant shake-up in almost 40 years. The reforms must be fair, proportionate and deliverable,” he added.
Beadle also warned that rental housing supply could suffer if reforms discourage long-term investment.
“A thriving private rented sector is vital for meeting demand and supporting the economy. The Government must avoid worsening the housing shortage.”
He called for ongoing monitoring of the Act’s impact and for findings to be made public.
With Royal Assent granted, the Renters’ Rights Act will soon begin to reshape the housing landscape. The Government faces the challenge of balancing tenant protection, landlord confidence, and court capacity to ensure the reforms achieve their intended impact.
Further announcements are expected in the coming days outlining the official implementation schedule and guidance for industry stakeholders.
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