Summary: The Renters Reform Bill 2024 was introduced to reform the private rented sector but was not passed into law due to the 2024 snap general election. Subsequently, the Labour government introduced the Renters’ Rights Act in October 2025, which incorporates many of the original bill’s proposals, including the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.

Has the Renters Reform Bill 2024 Been Passed?

The Renters Reform Bill was first introduced in May 2023 with the intention of making significant changes to the private rented sector. However, it did not complete the parliamentary process before the snap general election was called in May 2024 by then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, which led to Parliament being dissolved and the Bill being dropped.

Following this, the new Labour government introduced its own legislation, the Renters’ Rights Bill, which received Royal Assent in October 2025 and is now known as the Renters’ Rights Act. This Act advances many of the reforms originally proposed in the Renters Reform Bill, including plans to abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.

Timeline of the Renters Reform Bill

Before being scrapped, the Renters Reform Bill progressed through several parliamentary stages:

• 17 May 2023 – First Reading: The Bill was formally introduced in the House of Commons, outlining its title and main objectives without debate.
• 23 October 2023 – Second Reading: MPs debated the Bill’s general principles and voted to proceed to the next stage.
• 14–28 November 2023 – Committee Stage: The Bill underwent detailed examination, including oral evidence from key stakeholders such as the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and Shelter. Amendments were proposed and reviewed during this period.
• 24 April 2024 – Report Stage and Third Reading: MPs approved numerous amendments, and the Bill passed its final Commons stage.
• 1 May 2024 – House of Lords: The Bill was sent to the House of Lords to undergo similar stages of scrutiny.
• 22 May 2024 – General Election Announcement: The snap general election was called, preventing the Bill from completing its passage and resulting in its withdrawal.

Will the Renters Reform Bill Become Law?

The Renters Reform Bill will not become law as it was dropped prior to the 2024 general election and has not been reintroduced. Landlords should instead focus on the Renters’ Rights Act, which contains many of the same reforms and is now the primary legislation affecting tenancy law.

Key Proposals of the Renters Reform Bill

Though the Bill was not enacted, it proposed several important changes that have influenced current legislation. These included:

Abolition of Section 21 ‘No-Fault’ Evictions

The Bill aimed to eliminate Section 21 notices, which allow landlords to repossess properties without providing a reason. Instead, landlords would have been required to rely on amended and expanded grounds under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, including new grounds such as repossession for sale.

End of Fixed-Term Tenancies

The Bill proposed replacing Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) with a single system of periodic tenancies, typically monthly rolling contracts without fixed end dates. Tenants would have been required to give two months’ notice to end the tenancy, providing landlords with more certainty and reducing void periods.

Simplified Rent Increases

Rent review clauses would have been abolished to prevent automatic rent increases. Landlords could still propose rent increases annually in line with market rates, using a new government-issued form. Tenants could accept the increase or challenge it through a First-tier Tribunal if deemed unfair.

Enhanced Tenant Rights Regarding Pets

The Bill intended to grant tenants greater rights to keep pets, requiring landlords to respond to pet requests within six weeks, with an additional seven days if more information was requested. Tenants could escalate disputes to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman or take legal action if they believed refusals were unjustified.

Introduction of a Property Ombudsman Scheme

All landlords would likely have been required to join a government-approved Ombudsman scheme, providing tenants with an independent route to resolve complaints. The Ombudsman could require landlords to apologise, take corrective action, or pay compensation up to £25,000. Non-compliance could result in banning orders, especially for repeat offenders.

Creation of a Digital Property Portal

The Bill proposed a digital portal for landlords and tenants, designed to improve transparency and compliance. This platform would help tenants identify responsible landlords and allow local authorities to address substandard housing more effectively. Responsible landlords could also use the portal to demonstrate adherence to regulations.

Implications for Landlords

While the Renters Reform Bill itself did not become law, its proposals have shaped the current legislative landscape through the Renters’ Rights Act. Landlords should familiarise themselves with the new Act, particularly regarding the abolition of Section 21 notices and changes to tenancy agreements and rent increases.

Staying informed about these reforms is essential to ensure compliance and maintain positive landlord-tenant relationships. For further guidance, landlords can consult resources such as the Landlord Association and official government publications.

Further Reading

• When Will Section 21 Be Abolished?
• How to Increase Rent: Section 13 Notice Explained
• Pets in Rental Properties: What Landlords Should Know
• Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act for Landlords 2025

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Has the Renters Reform Bill 2024 Been Passed? What Landlords Need to Know

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The Renters Reform Bill 2024 was not passed due to the 2024 snap election. Learn how the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 replaces it and what this means for UK landlords, including the abolition of Section 21 evictions and tenancy changes.