The House of Lords approved several important amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill on 7 July 2025. These updates aim to create a fairer, more balanced private rented sector for landlords and tenants. If you’re a landlord looking to stay compliant while protecting your investments, here’s what you need to know.
Pet Damage Deposits Now Allowed
Landlords can now request up to three weeks’ rent as a pet damage deposit from tenants with animals. This change replaces the proposed pet insurance requirement, which had caused concerns around cost and practicality. The new measure offers landlords better protection against potential damage while supporting tenants’ rights to keep pets.
Stronger Protections for Student Landlords
A new Ground 4A allows student landlords to regain possession before the next academic year starts. This change supports the supply of student housing after the removal of fixed-term tenancies, giving landlords more certainty when managing their properties.
Tribunal Capacity Review
Disputes about rent increases under Section 13 will now be handled by the First-tier Tribunal. The government must review tribunal capacity to avoid delays and backlogs , especially important given an 89% increase in fair rent cases between 2019 and 2023.
Six-Month Reletting Ban for Unsold Properties
Landlords who serve notice to sell but fail to complete the sale must wait six months before re-letting. They’ll need to show they marketed the property genuinely and did not turn down reasonable offers. This measure aims to keep more properties available for private rental and prevent misuse of sale notices.
Joint Tenancy Flexibility
A new clause allows tenants and landlords to withdraw a notice to quit if all joint tenants agree. This prevents unilateral actions and supports fairer, more collaborative tenancy decisions.
Ongoing Reviews
The Bill now requires a three-year review of its impact on tenancy security, evictions, and homelessness, plus annual reports on rent levels, house prices, and market changes. This ensures ongoing monitoring and adjustment where needed.
Courts and Possession Process
Further debates on 15 July 2025 will address court capacity as “no fault” evictions are phased out. More landlords will need to prove grounds for possession, so the Secretary of State will review how this affects court resources and delays.
What This Means for Landlords
These amendments reflect practical changes to help landlords protect their investments while maintaining fair treatment for tenants. With increased protections for student landlords, new options around pets, and stricter sale notice rules, staying compliant is more important than ever.
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