The Third Reading of the Renters' Rights Bill took place on 21st July, just days before the summer recess. This was Parliament’s final chance to review the Bill, make last-minute amendments, and ensure everything is workable.
While Labour’s large majority and cross-party support suggest momentum is strong, it’s unlikely the Bill will receive Royal Assent before MPs return from summer break on 1st September, just ahead of the Labour Party Conference.
In the meantime, agents and landlords must focus on preparation, not panic. With change on the horizon, we’ve gathered insight from respected industry leaders to help you cut through the noise and identify practical next steps.
Sean Hooker: Get Ahead with Practical Preparation
Sean Hooker, Head of Redress at the Property Redress Scheme, encourages agents not to wait until the changes hit. He shared the following advice:
The Act will be rolled out in stages, so it will not be a big bang!
Whilst the changes to tenancies and possession grounds will be the first and likely to be in place very quickly, other parts will take time.
However, that does not mean you cannot start preparing now for some of the changes.
Here are Sean's tips:
- Prepare your landlords for the register: Make sure that all their compliance is up to date – their safety certificates; their deposits properly protected, all appropriate licensing in place. Remind them that an agent cannot register for them so ensure they have all the documents you need when the time comes.
- Prepare them for an ombudsman: The appointment of an ombudsman for landlords will take a while. In the meantime, make sure your landlords have a complaint process in place. It does not have to be complicated – one side of a sheet of paper. Make sure your tenants have a copy. Make sure they know what they are responsible for and what their obligations are.
- Prepare for rent rise challenges: The new system could mean tenants challenging proposed rent increases through a tribunal. Ensure you have done your homework and have robust evidence that any increases are fair and in line with market rates. Talk to tenants in advance and make sure correct notices are served.
- Prepare for the Decent Homes Standards: These already apply to social housing and are being consulted for the PRS. Start making improvements now to avoid a last-minute rush when tradespeople are hard to find.
- Prepare for Awaab’s Law: Tackle damp and mould proactively. Prevention is better than cure. Regular inspections, structural repairs, and tenant education can all help reduce risks. Bring properties up to a minimum of EPC C where possible.
- Prepare for pets: The Act will make it harder to refuse tenants with pets. If pets are allowed, set rules in advance. If not, have genuine reasons ready. Source pet damage insurance products for landlords.
- Prepare for stricter advertising rules: Material information requirements already apply, but further restrictions will follow, such as banning discriminatory adverts. Ensure landlords understand what can and cannot be said in listings.
Sean’s message is clear: Don't wait - start preparing now.
Susie Crolla: Strategy Starts with Compliance
Susie Crolla, Managing Director of The Guild of Letting & Management, highlights the importance of planning, structure, and staying informed:
Over the last 12 months there has been a lot of discussion around The Renters’ Rights Bill, some negative, some positive, however, with change comes opportunity.
Letting agents and landlords must conduct an audit of their portfolios, ensure they are registration compliant, stay informed relying on reliable and strong resources, and make certain that they put together a strategic action plan to implement change.
Christopher Watkin: Show Up with Confidence, Not Fear
Christopher Watkin, one of the UK’s best-known lettings and estate agency growth specialists, urges agents to see the bigger picture:
Letting agents, stop panicking and start preparing because every bit of rental reform in the past was meant to break the market, yet here we are, still standing. This is your moment to scoop up self-managing landlords who are scared stiff and desperate for guidance… if you show up with answers, not anxiety.
Chris Mason: Get Your Systems in Shape
Chris Mason, Chief Operating Officer at The Letting Partnership, offers a practical reminder that even if the Bill doesn’t directly affect client money protection, the ripple effect across processes will be significant:
Although the Renters (Reform) Bill isn't aimed at client money protection, it will change how agents handle tenancies, relationships, and compliance. Now is a good time to make sure your rent collection, deposit management, and tenancy records are consistent, accurate, and easy to trace.
With periodic tenancies becoming the norm, solid systems and clean records will be essential, not just to avoid disputes, but to stay ahead if scrutiny from tenants or regulators ramps up.
The Bill also opens the door for tenants with pets, and landlords will be allowed to ask for a higher deposit to cover that. Agents need to be clear on how those payments are recorded, held, and managed. Strong CRM notes matter too, especially where decisions or exceptions are made.
You won’t want to rely on memory once tenancies are running indefinitely.
Megan Eighteen: Prepare, Educate and Lead
Megan Eighteen, Propertymark President and Head of Development at Home Finders – Lettings, highlights the importance of early action and team readiness:
With the Renters’ Rights Bill on the horizon, now is the time to take action, not later. Agents should review their fee structure to ensure they’re only charging for what’s compliant and clearly communicated, as well as starting to educate their teams to ensure everyone understands the changes and can confidently support tenants. This isn’t just a compliance task, it’s a chance to lead the market. Those who prepare now will be the ones who thrive when the bill takes effect.
Internal training, transparent fees and forward planning are key to long-term success.
Paul Shamplina: Serving Landlords in a Complex Market
Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, a leading voice in the private rented sector, offers a sharp perspective on letting agents' opportunities in the wake of legislative reforms.
Landlords need agents more than ever with the impending changes of the Renters Rights Bill coming in, this is a great opportunity to pick up self‑manage landlords, I’ve never been booked so much to speak at agent events put on for landlords.
Being a landlord in 2025 is a Profession, it is the hardest it’s ever been. Knowing what new compliance and regulations that must be complied with is so challenging. What landlords are looking for in a great agent, is an agent that shows they care, that they can give a real peace of mind, that they are protected and that their biggest asset in their property is looked after well.
The industry is shifting away from transactional letting and towards service-led, compliance‑focused partnerships with landlords.
We’re Here to Help
At The Letting Partnership, we don’t just monitor legislation, we help letting agents put advice into action.
We work closely with industry experts like Sean Hooker, Susie Crolla, Christopher Watkin and Megan Eighteen, to ensure our clients are informed, protected, and ahead of the curve. Whether you're reviewing your systems, updating processes, or navigating compliance challenges, our team is ready to help.
Contact us today to see how we can support your business through the changes ahead and turn uncertainty into opportunity.
This article is intended as a guide only and does not constitute legal advice. If in doubt seek professional legal advice.
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