🔧 A Landlord’s Guide to the London Renters Reform Bill

With major changes on the horizon, landlords across London are preparing for one of the most significant shake-ups in the rental sector in recent memory: the Renters Reform Bill. Designed to improve protections for tenants and simplify the lettings process, the bill will also bring fresh challenges for landlords.

At Beechill, we're committed to keeping landlords informed and protected. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill means, how it will impact you, and how we can help you stay ahead.

❗️ What Is the Renters Reform Bill?

First introduced in Parliament in 2023, the Renters Reform Bill is a set of legislative changes designed to improve the private rental sector for tenants while making standards more consistent across the board. The bill applies across England, with additional attention needed for landlords operating in regulated London boroughs.

Some of the core aims include:

• Abolishing Section 21 'no-fault' evictions

• Standardising tenancy structures with a shift toward periodic tenancies

• Creating a new Private Renters’ Ombudsman

• Introducing a Decent Homes Standard in the private rental sector

• Allowing tenants to keep pets by default, with limited grounds for refusal

🔝 Key Changes That Will Affect London Landlords

1. The End of Section 21 Notices

This is perhaps the most talked-about element of the bill. Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without giving a valid reason. Instead, all evictions will need to be justified under revised Section 8 grounds, such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or landlord intention to sell.

This change means:

• Landlords must keep clear records of tenant behaviour and rent payments

• Serving notice will require more preparation and legal understanding

2. All Tenancies Become Periodic

Fixed-term tenancies are being phased out. All agreements will become periodic from day one, giving tenants more flexibility to leave with two months' notice.

Implications:

• Greater unpredictability for landlords in planning void periods

• Increased importance of tenant screening and relationship management

3. The Right to Request a Pet

Tenants will have the legal right to request a pet. Landlords can only refuse on specific, justified grounds. A pet insurance policy may be required to protect against potential damage.

4. Property Standards and Enforcement

The Decent Homes Standard will be extended to the private rented sector, mandating that properties be free from serious hazards, in a good state of repair, and offer a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.

In London boroughs with stricter licensing requirements, this will be an additional layer of compliance for landlords to monitor.

5. Private Renters' Ombudsman

A new independent ombudsman will be introduced to resolve tenant complaints without the need for court action. All landlords will be legally required to register.

🌐 What This Means for Landlords in London

The bill is clearly tenant-leaning, and in a city like London where competition is fierce and regulation is already tight, landlords need to stay proactive.

These changes mean:

• Legal compliance is no longer optional

• Documentation and record-keeping must be airtight

• Tenant relationships and conflict resolution will be under closer scrutiny

While the bill aims to create a fairer system, it may result in increased admin and legal risk for landlords who are not up to date.

📅 When Will the Renters Reform Bill Come Into Effect?

As of early 2025, the bill is still passing through the House of Lords. Once royal assent is granted, implementation will likely begin in late 2025, with a phased rollout to ensure landlords and agents have time to adapt.

✅ How Beechill Helps Landlords Prepare

We don’t just manage properties—we manage change. At Beechill, we:

• Stay up-to-date on all legal changes and advise landlords accordingly

• Handle documentation, eviction processes, and dispute resolution

• Manage maintenance and property standards to comply with the Decent Homes Standard

• Keep communication with tenants professional, documented, and transparent

Whether you’re a new landlord or an experienced portfolio investor, we ensure you stay compliant while maximising your rental income.

📈 Final Thoughts

The Renters Reform Bill marks a new era in the UK rental market. For landlords in London, the key will be adaptability and compliance.

By working with an experienced property management company like Beechill, you won’t just keep up with the changes—you’ll stay ahead of them.

Questions about how the Renters Reform Bill might affect your property?
Contact us today—we’re here to help you navigate what comes next.