Fleet unveils Renters’ Rights Bill guide for landlords and advisers

Fleet Mortgages has launched a comprehensive guide called ‘Getting Landlords Renters’ Rights Ready: A Guide for Advisers’.

The resource aims to assist advisers in guiding landlords through the upcoming Bill which is expected to gain Royal Assent this Autumn and take effect in early 2026.

The guide provides practical checklists to help advisers deliver clear, actionable recommendations to landlords, ensuring their portfolios are prepared for these changes.

There are details of the legislation provisions, starting with the ending of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs).

Fixed-term contracts will transition to flexible, month-to-month arrangements, scrapping the conventional six- or 12-month tenancy framework.

Bill’s impact cannot be overstated

Fleet’s chief commercial officer, Steve Cox, said: “The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to be the biggest shake-up of the private rented sector in decades, and its impact on landlords – and their advisers – cannot be overstated.

“From the end of fixed-term tenancies and Section 21 evictions to stricter rent controls and mandatory registration, this legislation will fundamentally change how landlords manage their properties and interact with tenants.

“Advisers have a crucial role to play in helping their landlord clients understand not only what is changing, but what it means for their tenancies, their compliance obligations, and ultimately the performance of their portfolios.”

He added: “This new guide sets out the key measures of the Bill in clear, practical terms, alongside actionable checklists advisers can use to ensure their landlord clients are Renters’ Rights ready.”

Aims of the Bill

The Renters’ Rights Bill will also see the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, restricting landlords to reclaim properties only under specific conditions.

These include selling, occupying the property themselves, or addressing tenant payment defaults.

New regulations will also govern rent pricing as properties must be advertised with a fixed price.

That will prevent landlords from accepting higher bids and curbing competitive bidding.

Rent increases will be capped at once annually, adhering to Section 13 notice procedures, with tenants able to contest excessive rises through a tribunal.

Councils get more powers

The legislation prohibits discriminatory rental practices such as excluding tenants receiving benefits or those with children.

Affordability evaluations must account for benefits income, though credit checks and guarantors remain permissible.

To improve property standards, the Decent Homes Standard will extend to the private rented sector, compelling landlords to maintain safer, better-quality homes.

There will be a focus on issues like damp and mould with local authorities gaining stronger enforcement powers to ensure compliance.