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Aldermore Insights with Jon Cooper: Edition 3 - Renters’ Rights Bill: Brokers urged to lead as landmark legislation reshapes UK rental market

Aldermore
Aldermore Insights with Jon Cooper: Edition 3 - Renters’ Rights Bill: Brokers urged to lead as landmark legislation reshapes UK rental market
Posted:
October 29, 2025
Updated:
October 29, 2025

The Renters’ Rights Bill has cleared Parliament and is set to receive Royal Assent, heralding the biggest overhaul of England’s private rented sector (PRS) in a generation.

With phased implementation expected from early 2026, brokers are being urged to step up as trusted advisers, helping landlords understand and prepare for sweeping reforms.

For many landlords, this legislation represents both uncertainty and opportunity. The reforms aim to make renting fairer and more stable but will also bring tighter regulation, higher compliance costs, and potential pressure on cash flow. Brokers are uniquely placed to guide clients through what comes next.

Key areas for brokers to focus on:

End of Section 21 evictions
The abolition of “no-fault” evictions means landlords must now rely on updated Section 8 grounds to regain possession. With court delays likely, brokers can help clients prepare robust documentation and realistic timelines.

Shift to open-ended tenancies
Fixed-term contracts will be replaced by rolling tenancies. Student and houses in multiple occupation (HMO) landlords may face shorter occupancy periods and increased void risk, areas where brokers can add real value through portfolio planning and resilience modelling.

Tighter rent regulation
Rent rises will be limited to once per year, with two months’ notice and the right for tenants to challenge increases at tribunal. As more landlords face higher mortgage costs, brokers should stress-test affordability and identify refinancing or restructuring options.

New property standards
The Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law will now apply to private rentals, setting strict safety and repair timelines. Encourage landlords to plan and budget for upgrades early to avoid future compliance issues.

Increased accountability and fairness
All landlords must register on a new national database and join an Ombudsman scheme. They’ll also face new fairness obligations, from pet-friendly tenancies to non-discriminatory advertising, requiring updated processes and records.

The Renters’ Rights Bill marks a structural reset for the PRS and an opportunity for brokers to demonstrate their value beyond financing. By reviewing portfolios, identifying funding gaps, and supporting compliance planning, brokers can help clients adapt and strengthen their long-term investment strategy.

The Exeter enhances protection policies

Shekina Tuahene, deputy editor of Mortgage Solutions, said:

“More than a year since it was introduced, the Renters’ Rights Bill has finally reached royal assent and will become law. This is one of the biggest changes to hit the PRS in recent years and will require informed brokers to support landlord clients, so they feel confident to remain in the sector and receive much-needed guidance.

“Stable rates and a healthy supply of buy-to-let mortgages are helping to keep the market alive; it will take an industry-wide contribution to preserve landlord interest and investment.

“Lenders have a range of tools and resources to reinforce broker efforts to reassure clients that the right approach and strategy will be sufficient in navigating these new developments.”