Big changes are on the horizon for landlords across England, with the Renters’ Rights Bill set to shake up the private rental sector in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned property investor or considering your first buy-to-let, it’s vital to understand how these new rules could affect your rights, responsibilities, and returns.
At Whitegates Prescot, Huyton & West Derby, we work closely with landlords and investors across Liverpool and beyond. This guide breaks down the upcoming reforms, so you can prepare now, protect your investment, and continue attracting reliable tenants in a shifting market.
What is the Renters’ Rights Bill?
The Renters’ Rights Bill (formerly known as the Renters’ Reform Bill) is a major piece of legislation aimed at improving standards and fairness in the private rental market. It forms part of the government’s wider Levelling Up strategy and follows years of campaigning by tenant advocacy groups and housing charities.
The bill is expected to come into effect in 2025 and includes some of the most significant changes to landlord-tenant law in decades.
The headline changes include:
- The end of Section 21 “no fault” evictions
- Stronger grounds for landlords under Section 8
- All tenancies becoming periodic
- Tighter rules around rent increases
- A legal requirement for landlords to meet the Decent Homes Standard
- A new digital property portal for registration and compliance
Let’s look at each of these in more detail.
Section 21 evictions will be abolished
At present, landlords can end an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) with a Section 21 notice, giving tenants two months’ notice without needing to give a reason.
Under the Renters’ Rights Bill, Section 21 will be scrapped entirely. This means landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid legal reason. Instead, all evictions must go through Section 8, which requires landlords to prove a legitimate ground for possession.
Section 8 grounds will be strengthened
To balance the removal of Section 21, the government is expanding the grounds available under Section 8.
Landlords will be able to regain possession if they:
- Plan to sell the property
- Need to move in themselves or house a close family member
- Can prove persistent rent arrears or anti-social behaviour
While these changes mean more paperwork and possible delays, they also offer clear pathways to reclaim your property when needed.
All tenancies will become periodic
Another key change is the shift from fixed-term agreements to rolling, periodic tenancies. This means:
- Tenants can leave by giving two months’ notice at any time
- Landlords must rely on legal grounds to end a tenancy
- There will be no end-of-tenancy date unless agreed mutually
For landlords, this change removes the predictability of fixed-term contracts but may improve tenant satisfaction and reduce voids.
Rent increase rules will be more tightly controlled
Currently, landlords can raise rents at the end of a fixed term or by using a Section 13 notice. Under the new system:
- Rent can only be increased once per year
- Landlords must give tenants two months’ written notice
- Tenants will have the right to challenge increases through a First-tier Tribunal
While this won’t prevent landlords from raising rents in line with market rates, it will require more forward planning and evidence to justify increases.
The Decent Homes Standard will apply to private rentals
The Decent Homes Standard, already used in the social housing sector, will become a legal requirement for private landlords.
This means your property must:
- Be free from serious hazards (like damp, mould, faulty wiring)
- Be in a reasonable state of repair
- Have modern facilities and services
- Provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort (efficient heating and insulation)
For older or poorly maintained properties, this could mean investing in upgrades to stay compliant and avoid fines.
A new property portal will be launched
All landlords will be legally required to register their properties on a centralised digital portal. This system will:
- Act as a single source of truth for compliance records (EPCs, gas safety, electrical reports, etc.)
- Help tenants check a landlord’s credentials
- Give councils better tools for enforcement
Failure to register could lead to financial penalties or a ban from letting property.
What about pets, EPCs, and other changes?
The government is also consulting on:
- Making it easier for tenants to request pets, with landlords needing a valid reason to refuse
- Minimum EPC ratings increasing from E to C by 2028 (still under review)
- Additional local authority powers to crack down on rogue landlords
These proposals may not be finalised yet, but landlords should stay alert and futureproof their properties now.
What does this mean for landlords in Prescot, Huyton & West Derby?
As demand for rental homes remains strong across the Liverpool area, these changes could influence investment decisions and property management strategies.
According to the latest Rightmove Rental Price Tracker, rents in the North West have risen by over 9% in the past year, with high demand from young professionals and families. In West Derby, average yields remain above 7%, while Prescot and Huyton continue to attract commuter tenants looking for more space.
Despite the challenges of reform, the fundamentals of buy-to-let in our area remain strong.
How to prepare for the Renters’ Rights Bill
Review your tenancy documents and eviction processes
Ensure your tenancy agreements are up-to-date and aligned with Section 8 legislation. Keep detailed records of tenant behaviour, rent payments, and communications in case you ever need to issue a notice.
Inspect your property for compliance
Book a professional inspection or review the Decent Homes Standard checklist to identify areas for improvement. Fix any known issues before the law changes take effect.
Stay up to date with digital registration
Keep all compliance documents in order so you can upload them to the new portal as soon as it launches.
Budget for potential upgrades
This might include:
- Replacing outdated heating systems
- Improving insulation to meet energy standards
- Making homes more pet-friendly, such as adding garden fences or hard floors
Get expert help
Working with a local letting agent can make all the difference. At Whitegates Prescot, Huyton & West Derby, we already help landlords:
- Screen tenants professionally
- Manage maintenance and inspections
- Stay compliant with legal changes
If you’re unsure how to prepare for the Renters’ Rights Bill, we’re here to help.
Start by requesting a free rental valuation or explore our current landlord services.
Final thoughts: change is coming, but it can be a positive one
While the Renters’ Rights Bill will bring significant change, it also creates opportunities. Better property standards and clearer rules can mean more stable tenancies, fewer disputes, and greater tenant satisfaction.
By acting early and investing in compliance, landlords can avoid fines, reduce stress, and build a resilient rental business that thrives in 2025 and beyond.
At Whitegates, we’re already helping local landlords adapt to the changes and make the most of Merseyside’s vibrant lettings market.
