🏡 Renters Reform Bill: What Landlords and Letting Agents Need to Know in 2025
The government’s long-awaited Renters Reform Bill continues to move through Parliament, and while some proposals have been delayed, significant changes are still on the horizon.
For landlords and letting agents in North Devon and across the UK, this means preparing for what’s coming – and understanding how it may reshape how we let and manage rental property.
Here’s a clear, jargon-free summary of what’s happening – and what to do next.
⚖️ Quick Recap: What Is the Renters Reform Bill?
First proposed in 2019 and introduced to Parliament in May 2023, the Bill is part of the government’s plan to “create a fairer private rented sector.”
The headline changes include:
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Abolishing Section 21 (‘no fault’ evictions)
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Creating a single system of periodic tenancies
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Stronger rules around housing quality and safety
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Greater protections for tenants with pets
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A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
While the intention is to improve security and standards for tenants, it also brings more complexity and compliance pressure for landlords.
📢 What’s the Latest in 2025?
As of mid-July 2025, here’s the current position:
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The Section 21 ban is still planned, but the government has committed to ensuring court reforms are in place first – no fixed date yet.
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Fixed-term tenancies are set to be phased out, replaced by periodic tenancies that can be ended by tenants with two months’ notice at any time.
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Landlords will only be able to end a tenancy using specific grounds, such as selling the property or dealing with serious rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
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Landlords will need to register with a new digital Property Portal (still in development).
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The Decent Homes Standard is due to be applied to the private sector, with clarity expected later this year.
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A Private Rented Ombudsman will handle complaints and disputes, offering a quicker alternative to the courts.
🧠 What Should Landlords Do Now?
Even if timelines are shifting, it’s essential to get your portfolio “reform-ready”. Here’s how:
✅ Review your current tenancy agreements – especially any fixed-term clauses.
✅ Ensure your documentation is watertight – including deposit protection, EPC, gas safety, and EICR compliance.
✅ Stay on top of maintenance – housing standards will become stricter.
✅ Consider moving to a letting agent who actively monitors compliance and regulation.
✅ Be aware of your eviction rights – they’re changing.
👋 How Collyers Can Help
As a British Property Award-winning agent, we’re already helping landlords across Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, Torrington, South Molton and Braunton prepare for the upcoming changes.
We offer:
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Full management that keeps you compliant
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Guidance through evictions and rent arrears
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Help transitioning to periodic tenancies
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Peace of mind that you're protected as the rules evolve
If you're self-managing or unsure where you stand, we also offer a free Landlord Clinic – 30–60 minutes of advice with no obligation.
📞 Let’s Keep You Compliant
Don’t wait for the reforms to land. Let’s get ahead of them.
👉 Book a Landlord Clinic Appointment
👉 Visit Our Lettings Page
Collyers – Local Experts. Trusted Advice. Lettings Done Right.
