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The Renters’ Rights Bill: A landlord’s guide to compliance

The Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB) is expected to become law by Autumn 2025, introducing major reforms to the private rented sector. As a landlord in Salford, it’s essential to understand these changes now to ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and maintain positive relationships with tenants.

The government's guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill is available. This guide outlines the key changes and practical steps you can take to prepare:

1. Ending ‘no-fault’ evictions (Section 21)

What’s changing?

Section 21 evictions will be abolished. All tenancies will become periodic (rolling contracts), and possession will only be granted under specific legal grounds, such as:

  • Selling the property 
  • Moving in (yourself or close family) 
  • Rent arrears or anti-social behaviour 

How to prepare: 

  • Understand the new legal grounds for possession 
  • Keep clear records if planning to sell, refurbish, or move in 
  • Communicate openly with tenants to reduce disputes

2. National private rented sector database

What’s changing?

All landlords must register their properties on a new national database to improve transparency and enforcement.

How to prepare: 

  • Gather key documents:
    • Gas Safety Certificate 
    • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 
    • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) 
  • Keep records up to date and stored centrally 
  • Set reminders for renewals and deadlines

3. Meeting the Decent Homes Standard

What’s changing?

Private rented homes must meet the Decent Homes Standard, including:

  • Being safe and well-maintained 
  • Free from serious hazards (for example damp, faulty wiring) 
  • Fit for human habitation 
  • Complying with Awaab’s Law (timely response to damp and mould)

How to prepare: 

  • Conduct property inspections 
  • Budget for repairs and upgrades 
  • Respond promptly to tenant repair requests 
  • Ensure tenants know how to contact you, even during holidays or absences

4. Rent increase rules

What’s changing? 

  • Rent can only be increased once per year 
  • Tenants must receive at least two months’ notice 
  • Tenants can challenge unfair increases via tribunal 
  • Only one month’s rent in advance can be requested before tenancy starts

How to prepare: 

  • Create a rent review calendar 
  • Base increases on market conditions 
  • Keep records of rent changes and justifications 
  • Get to know your market and do your research

5. Tenant dispute resolution: The Ombudsman Scheme

What’s changing?

A new Landlord Ombudsman will resolve disputes. Registration will be mandatory, and decisions will be legally binding.

How to prepare: 

  • Register with the scheme once available 
  • Keep detailed records of tenant interactions and maintenance 
  • Communicate clearly to prevent disputes 
  • Stay informed via Salford City Council updates or DASH Services 

6. Pets in rental properties

What’s changing?

Tenants can request to keep pets, and landlords must not unreasonably refuse.

How to prepare: 

  • Develop a fair pet policy 
  • Consider property suitability and maintenance needs 

7. Protection against tenant discrimination

What’s changing?

Discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children will be banned. Tenant selection must be based on financial suitability only.

How to prepare: 

  • Review your screening process 
  • Focus on affordability, references, and credit history 
  • Remove outdated or exclusionary policies 
  • Ensure agents follow the same standards 

8. Stronger local authority enforcement

What’s changing?

Councils, including Salford City Council, will have greater powers to investigate and enforce compliance. Fines for breaches will increase.

How to prepare: 

  • Stay updated on local regulations 
  • Conduct regular inspections 
  • Engage proactively with the council 

Next steps for Salford landlords

  • Monitor the Bill’s progress – final details may change 
  • Review your properties for compliance gaps 
  • Update tenancy agreements 
  • Set up a reliable record-keeping system 
  • Join landlord associations for support and updates
  • Join our mailing list and be kept up to date with our regular e-newsletter and next landlord forum details, please email landlord.licensing@salford.gov.uk

The Renters’ Rights Bill is the biggest change in rental law in decades. Preparing now will protect your business and ensure you remain compliant.

Information for landlords

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