The Renters’ Rights Bill has reached another important stage in Parliament. The final Report Stage in the House of Lords took place in July, with new updates. While some parts of the Bill still need to be finalised, a few key changes are already clear.
What’s the current timeline?
Parliament is now on summer break until 1st September, which gives landlords a window to make the most of the busy summer rental season.
The Government plans to restart work on the Bill on 8th September 2025, beginning a process called “ping-pong,” where the Bill is passed back and forth between the House of Commons and the House of Lords until both agree on the final version.
Once it’s agreed, the Bill will receive Royal Assent, making it official law, expected by the end of 2025 or early 2026, depending on how smoothly things go.
Key Changes Landlords Should Know About
Three main changes were discussed during the latest stage of the Bill.
1. Rent in Advance – Still Allowed for Existing Tenancies
If you have a tenancy agreement that started before the new law comes in, you’ll still be allowed to request rent in advance (e.g. several months at once) for the full length of that tenancy.
2. Rent Increases – Now Backdated If a Tribunal Approves
If a tenant challenges a rent increase and it goes to a tribunal — and the tribunal sides with you — you’ll now be allowed to backdate the rent increase to when you first gave notice, not just from the date of the tribunal decision.
3. Pet Deposits – A Possible New Option
There’s a new proposal (not from the Government but supported by many in the House of Lords) to allow landlords to take an extra 3-week deposit to cover any damage caused by pets. This would be on top of the usual 5-week security deposit.
While the July update focused on landlord-specific amendments, the Renters’ Rights Bill as a whole remains centred on improving conditions for renters, with stronger protections, fairer processes, and a focus on security and standards. These reforms are still moving ahead and expected to become law by the end of the year.
What’s Next?
The Renters’ Rights Bill isn’t law just yet, but it’s moving steadily toward becoming one. The recent updates focused on landlord terms, but the heart of the Bill remains tenant-focused, aiming to create more secure, fair, and transparent renting experiences across the UK.
At Cornerstone, we help individuals and families relocating to the UK not only find a place to live, but also understand their rights as tenants. From explaining rental agreements to supporting move-ins and resolving early issues, we make sure our clients feel informed, protected, and at home from day one.
Whether you’re relocating or just want to feel more confident as a tenant, our team is here to guide you through it. Contact us to find out how we can help.