The Renters’ Reform Bill: What South London landlords need to know
The biggest shake-up in the private rental sector for a generation is coming, and landlords can’t afford to ignore it.
The Renters’ Reform Bill (now progressing through Parliament as the Renters’ Rights Bill) is expected to become law soon. It will transform how tenancies work, how landlords manage property, and what rights tenants have. You can track its progress on the UK Parliament Bill Tracker.
Whether you let out one flat or a full portfolio, this legislation will change the way you do business. If you're a South London landlord, now is the time to get informed, get organised and stay ahead.
Short on time? Here’s what you need to know
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Section 21 is being scrapped
Landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without providing a formal reason. All repossessions will need to follow Section 8 procedures.
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Fixed-term contracts are going
Tenancies will no longer have fixed terms. Instead, all tenancies will be rolling, with tenants required to give two months’ notice, instead of the one month notice in most current periodic agreements.
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The Decent Homes Standard is now law
Your property must meet minimum safety, repair and living condition requirements or face enforcement action.
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New rights for tenants
Discrimination bans are tightening, and tenants can request to keep pets. Landlords must consider these fairly.
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A Property Portal is launching
All landlords will need to register and upload documentation. Compliance will be more visible and enforceable.
The bottom line
If you’re letting property in South London, now’s the time to prepare. Reviewing your contracts, updating policies and staying compliant will keep you protected and profitable. Get in touch via our website or call us on 020 3519 9121 for expert landlord support.
The most significant change is the removal of Section 21. This means landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without providing a reason. Instead, you will need to use Section 8 grounds for possession, such as serious rent arrears, anti-social behaviour or plans to sell or move into the property. In most cases, at least four months’ notice will be required.
What that means for you
You’ll need clear, documented reasons for ending a tenancy, along with a solid understanding of the legal process. Quick, hassle-free repossessions will no longer be an option. Strategic planning and good record keeping are essential.
Say goodbye to fixed-term contracts
The Bill will replace fixed-term tenancies with a single system of rolling, periodic agreements. This means there will no longer be six- or twelve-month terms by default. Tenants will be able to leave at any time by giving two months’ notice. This is a shift from the current system, where tenants often only need to give one month’s notice after the fixed term ends. Landlords will still need to follow valid Section 8 grounds to end a tenancy.
What that means for you
You’ll no longer be able to rely on fixed-term contracts to secure rental periods. Instead, tenancies will be open-ended from the start. Rent increases will be limited to once per year and must follow a clear notice process. Tenants can challenge any increase through a tribunal. Building positive tenant relationships and maintaining good communication will be key to keeping rental income stable.
A legal standard for property quality
The Decent Homes Standard will be applied to privately rented properties for the first time. Homes must be safe, warm, in good repair and free from serious hazards like damp and mould. Local authorities will have greater powers to inspect properties and issue fines or rent repayment orders where standards are not met.
What that means
Landlords must ensure their properties meet this new legal standard. Carrying out a property audit now can help avoid future enforcement action. Regular inspections, prompt maintenance and clear records will become part of doing business properly.
Pet requests must be handled fairly
Under the new rules, tenants will have the right to request a pet. As a landlord, you won’t be able to refuse without a valid reason. If there are restrictions based on the building, safety concerns, or the type of animal, you can still say no, but you’ll need to be able to justify it. You can also ask tenants to take out pet insurance to cover potential damage, however you won’t be able to apply a blanket “no pets” policy across your properties.
A helpful overview from Total Landlord Insurance on pet rules outlines how these changes aim to make renting fairer and more transparent.
What that means
Now’s the time to update your tenancy agreements and listings. Any existing “no pets” wording should be removed or replaced with a clear, fair approach. You’ll need to assess each request individually and be prepared to give a reasonable explanation if you decline. Taking a more flexible, case-by-case view (while still protecting your property) will help you stay compliant and build trust with tenants.
The Property Portal is coming
A national Property Portal will be launched to make compliance more transparent. Landlords will be required to register and upload key documentation such as safety certificates, deposit protection records and licences. This database will be accessible to local authorities and tenants.
What that means
You’ll need to keep your documents in perfect order. If your gas safety check, deposit registration or licence is missing or out of date, it could be flagged on the portal. Now is the time to get everything up to scratch.
Your checklist: how to prepare for the changes
This isn’t just another update to regulations. It’s a fundamental reset of how the private rental sector operates. From legal responsibilities to the way you engage with tenants, the Renters’ Reform Bill will require landlords to adjust both their mindset and their processes.
Staying ahead means getting proactive now. The following checklist highlights the key steps you can take to futureproof your properties, stay compliant and continue letting with confidence in a fast-changing market:
1. Review your tenancy agreements
Remove Section 21 clauses and ensure contracts reflect periodic terms and valid Section 8 grounds.
2. Get ready for more flexible tenancies
Plan for rolling tenancies. Put clear rent review processes in place and keep communications well documented.
3. Audit your properties
Use the Decent Homes Standard as a checklist. Address known issues and keep maintenance up to date.
4. Update your tenant policies
Make sure your listings are compliant. Remove discriminatory language and put a fair pet policy in place.
5. Organise your documents
Ensure all safety checks, deposit protection, licences and tenancy records are accurate and ready for the Property Portal.
Need support? Urban Village can help
Urban Village has been helping landlords across South London navigate change for over a decade. Whether you need help reviewing your contracts, updating your compliance records or understanding your new responsibilities, our team is here to guide you through.
Stay compliant. Protect your income. Get in touch via our website or call us on 020 3519 9121 to speak to our expert team. Let’s put your plans in motion.
*All references checked June 2025. You can follow the progress of the Renters’ Rights Bill via the UK Parliament Bill Tracker.