The legislative process for the Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB) has reached its critical final stage. The Bill is scheduled to return to the House of Lords on October 14th for consideration of Commons Reasons and Amendments.
Crucially, the government has published its Order Paper, laying out motions that instruct the Lords to “not insist” on nearly all of their previous amendments. This procedural move is a strong indicator of the expected vote and confirms that the core, unamended version of the Bill is virtually certain to pass into law immediately following the vote.
The time for debate is over. The shape of the final legislation is now clear, and the focus for agents and landlords must immediately shift to compliance.
The Landlord-Backed Amendments Certain to be Scrapped
The formal rejection on October 14th means the following key amendments—often championed by landlord groups—are set to be removed from the final legislation:
| Amendment That Will Be Scrapped | Practical Impact of the Rejection (What the Final Law Requires) |
| Extra “Pet Deposit” |
The standard 5-week deposit cap remains absolute. Landlords cannot ask for an extra 3 weeks’ rent as a pet deposit, regardless of pet ownership. Landlords must agree to a tenant’s reasonable request for a pet. |
| Reduced Re-Letting Ban |
The full 12-month re-letting restriction remains. Landlords who use Ground 1A (selling up) or Ground 1 (landlord/family move-in) to regain possession will be strongly deterred from misusing the grounds. |
| New “Carer” Possession Ground |
This new mandatory eviction ground, which was heavily criticised as being open to abuse, is certain to be rejected. Landlords must rely on one of the existing or newly reformed grounds. |
| Higher Burden of Proof for Fines |
The legal standard of proof for local authorities to impose financial penalties (for discrimination, rental bidding, etc.) will not be raised. Enforcement against non-compliant landlords will remain highly achievable for councils.
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NEXT STEP: Watch the Implementation Timetable
While the Bill is now certain to become an Act of Parliament, it is essential to remember that the new law will not take effect overnight.
Many of the most significant provisions—such as the Decent Homes Standard, the extension of Awaab’s Law to the private sector, and the creation of the Property Ombudsman and Private Rented Sector Database—will be subject to secondary legislation.
This secondary legislation requires time to be drafted, debated, and approved, meaning these crucial elements will be introduced on a staggered timetable, potentially well into the future. The government must also confirm a sufficient lead-in time for agents and landlords to prepare for the massive change (like the abolition of Section 21) before it takes effect for existing tenancies.
Action Point: Pay close attention to the
government’s subsequent announcements. Your focus must now shift from the content of the Bill to the commencement dates of the various provisions. Use this window to prepare your business for the final, unamended Bill, but be aware that the practical date for compliance is still to be officially confirmed.
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