A senior government official has confirmed that landlords and agents will not see implementation dates for specific measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill until the legislation formally becomes law.

Guy Horsington, deputy director of the private rented sector at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, told an NRLA podcast that transition arrangements and timelines would only be published once the Bill receives Royal Assent, expected in the second half of October.

He stressed that ministers would take into account how much time the sector needs to adjust, but the lack of clarity has left landlords and agents frustrated.

The NRLA said:  “Such uncertainty does leave both landlords and the wider PRS in limbo. With the Renters Rights Bill bringing about the biggest change in private renting in decades, we have been clear that the government needs to announce its implementation timeline as soon as possible. We are calling for a six-month minimum lead-in period between the confirmation of the detail and measures coming into force.”

What we know so far

• Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has promised a “smooth transition” once the Bill is enacted.

• All existing tenancies will automatically convert to the new system on the implementation date.

• Any new tenancies signed after the date will also fall under the new rules.

• The government has pledged “sufficient notice” ahead of implementation and support for tenants, landlords, and agents.

What remains uncertain

• Landlord & property database: A mandatory national register won’t come in until additional regulations are made. No timeline yet.

• PRS Ombudsman: Plans to require landlords to register with a redress scheme before letting property are also delayed pending new regulations.

• Lead-in time: Industry groups want a minimum six months between detail confirmation and enforcement, but the government has not committed to this.

Landlord takeaway

While Royal Assent is expected in October, practical changes may roll out in stages and some key elements could take much longer to implement. For now, landlords should:

• Follow updates closely to avoid being caught out.

• Review tenancy agreements in anticipation of conversion to the new system.

• Factor in uncertainty when making decisions about new investments or student lets for 2025.