As of 15th May 2025, the Bill has completed the committee stage in the House of Lords, but further steps remain before the final version is agreed. Here’s a concise update on what landlords need to know.
Core Changes Impacting Landlords
as per our previous post:
New Obligations
Mandatory Ombudsman: Landlords will be required to join a new landlord ombudsman scheme, providing a dispute resolution pathway.
Property Portal Registration: Rental properties will need to be registered on a new digital Property Portal.
Decent Homes Standard: Landlords will need to ensure that their properties meet the Decent Homes Standard, which sets minimum conditions for housing.
Key Developments from the Lords Committee Stage
Student Accommodation: The broad move away from fixed-term tenancies currently includes most student lets. Some specific government amendments were passed regarding student rent in advance and possession grounds for certain types of purpose-built student housing.
Court Processes: Concerns about court capacity for handling possession cases under the new system remain. The government is pushing for the court processes to be digitalised.
Transitional Measures: A government amendment provides a three-month window to pursue existing, valid possession claims through the courts after the new law starts. Landlords will also have 28 days to issue a written tenancy agreement if an arrangement becomes an assured tenancy (e.g., if the landlord moves out and leaves a lodger).
What's Next?
The Bill still needs to pass the report stage and third reading in the House of Lords. If further changes are made, the House of Commons will review them before the Bill can receive Royal Assent and become law.
The government aims for this to happen before the summer recess (typically July). However, the new rules will likely be phased in from late 2025 into 2026 to allow for adjustment.