Landlord Law Newsround #409: Renters’ Rights Bill Nears Final Approval

Summary: The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to return to the House of Commons for its final approval on 22 October, with only one outstanding issue remaining. Meanwhile, landlords should be aware of upcoming changes including Damp and Mould Awareness Week, concerns about council enforcement resources, and calls to update Local Housing Allowance to better reflect current rental market conditions.

The Renters’ Rights Bill Approaches Final Stage

The Renters’ Rights Bill recently passed its last stage in the House of Lords on 14 October with minimal amendments. Proposals to extend the student possession ground, shorten the prohibition period on letting after repossession under grounds 1 and 1A, and allow an additional pet deposit were all rejected. The bill will return to the House of Commons on 22 October for final approval, with only one remaining issue concerning shared ownership to be discussed.

Once approved, the bill is expected to become law shortly thereafter. The key question for landlords and agents will be the commencement date, with speculation ranging between January and April 2026. This legislation will bring significant changes to landlord and tenant law, so it is important to stay informed as the details become clearer.

Damp and Mould Awareness Week Highlights Legal Responsibilities

From 20 to 26 October, Damp and Mould Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of the risks and responsibilities relating to damp and mould in rental properties, especially as colder months increase their prevalence. Safety company Aico is hosting a series of free webinars offering practical advice for landlords on managing these issues and understanding their legal obligations.

This initiative coincides with the introduction of Awaab’s Law, which comes into force on 27 October. This new legislation requires social landlords to address damp and mould problems within strict timescales, emphasising the growing importance of maintaining healthy living conditions in rental accommodation.

Concerns Over Council Resources for Enforcement

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has expressed concerns about the capacity of local authorities to enforce the Renters’ Rights Bill once it becomes law. In a letter to the select committee, the CIEH highlighted that councils are already operating at full capacity and will require additional, sustained funding to manage the increased enforcement responsibilities effectively.

“We welcome the Renters’ Rights Bill but are concerned about the large enforcement burden that the provisions of the bill will impose on local authorities and the need for proportionate funding that is sustained and predictable.”

The CIEH also advocates for separate fees for the Ombudsman and Database schemes, with ombudsman fees contributing towards enforcement costs. Furthermore, it supports the continuation and extension of selective licensing schemes from five to ten years, citing their role in protecting vulnerable tenants living in poor housing conditions.

Calls to Update Local Housing Allowance to Reflect Rental Market

A coalition of over 40 organisations, including Crisis and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), has urged the government to increase the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) in the upcoming budget. They argue that the current LHA rates no longer reflect the realities of today’s rental market, effectively excluding the lowest-income renters from accessing private rented housing.

Research from the Resolution Foundation suggests that raising LHA could lift 75,000 children and 125,000 adults out of poverty. Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, emphasises the importance of unfreezing this benefit to cover the cheapest 30% of private rentals, which would help prevent homelessness from worsening.

“Without this, the UK Government risks failing in its efforts to tackle homelessness, and councils will be forced to keep spending billions of pounds each year on poor-quality temporary accommodation.”

Landlords should monitor these developments closely, as changes to LHA could impact demand and affordability in the rental sector. More information is available here.

Leeds Council Expands Selective Licensing Scheme

Leeds City Council has announced an expansion of its selective licensing scheme, which will come into effect in February 2026. The scheme will affect approximately 12,500 landlords and introduces fees ranging from £950 to £1,225, which are notably higher than the national average. The council states that these fees are intended to cover the scheme’s running costs.

“Given the clear link that exists between poor housing and poor health, it’s our hope that this scheme will also have a really positive impact on the general wellbeing of residents in disadvantaged communities.”

Landlords operating in Leeds should prepare for these changes and consider the financial implications of the increased fees and licensing requirements.

Additional News Highlights

• Fire in a rental property – How insurance responds
• Under 30s priced out of UK cities due to rental affordability
• Council fines landlords £180,000
• Labour-run council uses legal loophole for no-fault evictions
• Economist disputes claims that landlords are under-taxed

For more updates, visit our Quick News Updates page. We will return with the next Newsround next week.