Landlords across the UK are urging the government to provide at least six months’ notice before the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill, warning that a lack of clarity could create uncertainty for both landlords and tenants.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook confirmed that the government will give “sufficient notice” before the new rules take effect, which will apply simultaneously to both new and existing tenancies, but he did not provide a precise timeline.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), said: “At least six months will be needed, after regulations are passed, to ensure a smooth transition to the new tenancy system. Anything less will be a recipe for confusion and chaos.”

Scott Clay, director at property lender Together, highlighted potential challenges for smaller landlords, including the end of AST agreements, restrictions on rent increases, and new rules around pets and tenants on benefits. He also noted the impact of the ban on re-letting properties for up to a year if a sale falls through, which could leave homes empty and worsen housing shortages.

The House of Commons recently rejected most amendments proposed by the House of Lords. Key points dismissed included extending the student possession ground to smaller properties and allowing landlords to charge a higher deposit for tenants with pets, due to concerns over affordability. The government did agree to measures aimed at preventing the First-tier Tribunal from being overwhelmed by rent increase challenges.

The bill’s core provisions remain intact, including the abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions, the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard, restrictions on rent increases, a ban on bidding wars, a new ombudsman for the sector, a public database of rental properties, and the end of Assured Shorthold Tenancies.

Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, stressed the importance of careful implementation: “The Renters’ Rights Bill represents one of the biggest evolutions of housing legislation across England in over 30 years. Implementing such a wide-ranging overhaul of law must be dynamic by design to deliver a fair and workable balance between tenants and landlords.”

The bill now returns to the House of Lords for consideration of the Commons’ revisions before it can receive Royal Assent.