Understanding the Renters’ Rights Bill: The top 7 takeaways from our latest event

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our recent landlord event. We covered a lot – from property trends to legal reforms and from common challenges to how we can work together to overcome them.

Our main focus was the Renters’ Rights Bill and its effects on the different tenant groups and on the landlord community.

Here are the 7 most important things you shouldn’t miss from what we discussed and what they could mean for you.

🎥 Fancy watching the event recording? You can do so here 🎥

1. Lettings trends and insights: the good and the bad

The lettings market is busy. Rental demand is up 6% year-on-year, and properties are letting 21% faster than last year. Let-agreed prices are at record highs, though growth is levelling out.

Challenges remain. Available stock is down 16%, and affordability continues to be an issue for renters, creating tension in the market.

2. Sales trends and insights: the good and the bad

Sales are gaining momentum. Sales agreed are up 7%, and transactions in Q1 2025 rose 49% on the previous year – a clear sign of renewed buyer confidence.

However, the average time to sale has increased by 5 days to 80 days, and time to exchange now sits at 4.1 months. So, while activity is up, the process remains sluggish.

3. Renters’ Rights Bill – what it is, and when it’s coming

The Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB) is set to reform the rental sector. No launch date has been confirmed yet, but the government promises sufficient notice, but we are yet to find out how much notice that means in reality. Now’s the time to prepare, and our full event recording contains a host of details on this.

4. The RRB’s main changes – and the differences between residential and student tenancies

A key change is that fixed-term tenancies will be scrapped, all will become assured periodic tenancies and Section 21 evictions will not be permitted.

Other changes include:

  • No more Section 21 – possession must go through Section 8
  • Student tenancies can be brought to an end with a new ground 4A under Section 8, to allow for the next year’s student tenancy to commence
  • For student HMOs, landlords can only execute tenancies six months before start dates
  • Rent increases require formal notice
  • Tenants can’t be refused based on benefits or children
  • No rental bidding above advertised rent
  • Tenants have the right to request pets
  • Landlords must register with the Property Ombudsman and a new PRS database

The changes will affect marketing timelines, tenancy lengths, and how landlords regain possession.

5. What’s the impact to landlords – and how can you prepare?

Student landlords may face void periods from May or June, so setting aside a buffer is wise.

Shorter tenancies could increase costs for let-only landlords. A fully managed service might offer better protection and smoother operations.

6. What is Tara & Co doing to support landlords?

We’re ready for these changes, and supporting landlords every step of the way:

  • Regular updates, like this event
  • Assessing alternative tenancy set-up models
  • Expert legal partnerships and guidance
  • Enhanced referencing and tenancy management
  • Refined internal processes to better support our landlords

7. How to future-proof your property and finances

As we face more change, here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Financial challenges: Mortgage rates remain high. Some landlords are exploring company ownership structures for tax efficiency.
  • Tenant expectations are rising: Fast Wi-Fi, modern kitchens, fresh decoration, en-suites, and in-room extras like TVs or mini fridges can make a big difference.
  • The Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s law is coming: increasing standards around maximum kitchen and bathroom ages and enforceable deadlines for investigating damp and mould issues.
  • Refurb funding: There are still competitive borrowing options available and we have preferable rates with our experienced partners. Get in touch with us for more details.
  • Energy efficiency matters: From 2028–2030, rentals must reach an EPC rating of C. Solar panels can help meet this and may reduce mortgage costs while improving tenant appeal.

Looking ahead – the future for landlords and for Tara & Co

It’s been a tough few years, but landlords have adapted and Tara & Co is committed to being a true property partner, helping you stay informed and ahead of the curve.

We’re confident and ready to continue to support the sector through every challenge and change, for the benefit of our landlords and tenants.

We’ll be looking to host more events like this in the future, and we’d love to see you there, but for now, you can access the recording of ‘Landlords & Legislation: Mastering Renters’ Rights’ here, along with other exclusive insights.

For a free, no-obligation appraisal of your portfolio set-up and condition, along with strategies for you to respond and adapt to the changing legislative landscape, get in touch with us and we’d be more than happy to help.