What the Renters’ Reform Bill Means for Landlords

With the Renters’ Rights Bill set to pass through Parliament on 23 October 2025, long-term lettings in the UK are about to face the biggest shake-up in decades.

While many of the new rules aim to protect tenants, they also introduce new risks, restrictions and responsibilities for landlords. For those looking to reduce compliance headaches while keeping rental income flowing, short-term let management may now offer a smarter, more flexible alternative.

Here’s what the new bill means - and why switching to a serviced accommodation model could help future-proof your property investment.

1. Section 21 Evictions Abolished

The headline change: ‘No-fault’ evictions are gone. From now on, landlords can’t evict tenants using a Section 21 notice without a valid reason. That means:

• No evictions just because a landlord wants to sell up

• Tenants who raise complaints can’t be penalised

• Landlords must provide evidence to reclaim possession

While some exceptions remain, the bar for regaining control of your property is now higher - and the timeline is longer.

👉 With short-term lets, you retain full control over when your property is available, without tenant eviction worries.

2. Fixed-Term Tenancies Scrapped

Under the new law, all tenancies become rolling contracts by default. Landlords can’t ask tenants to leave in the first 12 months unless there’s a breach, and must give at least 4 months’ notice to regain possession for sale or personal use.

This shift reduces flexibility for landlords and increases the risk of long-term voids during the transition.

👉 Short-term lets give you the freedom to adjust availability, pricing and strategy month to month - no long contracts required.

3. New Legal Standards for Property Condition

The Decent Homes Standard now applies to the private rental sector, not just social housing. Landlords must:

• Maintain properties in good repair

• Provide decent facilities and living conditions

• Address hazards like damp or mould urgently (under Awaab’s Law)

Failing to comply could result in enforcement from local authorities.

👉 Serviced accommodation operators often already meet and exceed these standards to satisfy guests and maintain OTA ratings. If you partner with a good SA manager, compliance is built in.

4. Rent Control and Anti-Bidding Rules

Landlords will face tighter regulation on rent increases, including:

• Tenants can challenge rent hikes through tribunals

• Agents and landlords will be banned from accepting bids above the advertised rent

👉 With short-term lets, pricing is dynamic. You can adjust nightly rates in real time based on demand, local events and seasonality - no tribunals needed.

5. Mandatory Landlord Registration

A new national landlord database is being introduced. Landlords must register and display compliance before advertising properties.

This adds another layer of admin and scrutiny for long-term lets - especially if managing multiple properties.

👉 With short-term lets, your management company can handle listings, compliance, guest screening and more - so you’re not bogged down in red tape.

6. No Discrimination, More Pet Requests

The bill bans blanket policies against:

• Families with children

• Tenants receiving benefits

• Tenants with pets (reasonable pet requests can no longer be refused without cause)

👉 Short-term guests are typically travelling for leisure or business. Guest criteria are simpler and more predictable. Pet policies are yours to set, and no long-term commitments apply.

7. Faster Dispute Resolution - but More Oversight

A new ombudsman scheme will handle tenant-landlord disputes. Councils are also gaining new powers to monitor landlords and enforce rules.

While this aims to support tenants, it means greater oversight and potential penalties for landlords who fall short.

👉 Short-term lets managed by experienced operators often avoid these disputes altogether - guests stay for days, not years, and any issues are handled quickly through guest support protocols.

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Why Landlords Are Rethinking Long-Term Lets

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a step forward for tenant protection - but a leap in complexity for landlords. If you’re:

• Worried about compliance risks

• Concerned about regaining control of your property

• Tired of being tied to long-term contracts

• Wanting to improve returns without added hassle

…then short-term let management could be your ideal next step.

Why Partner with a Serviced Accommodation Management Company?

By working with a professional SA operator, you can:

✅ Earn market-driven income with fewer restrictions

✅ Avoid tenant disputes and regulatory burden

✅ Keep your property in top condition

✅ Gain full flexibility on availability

✅ Offer high-quality stays to vetted guests

Ready to Explore the Short-Term Let Option?

If you’re a landlord affected by the Renters’ Reform Bill and want to explore whether serviced accommodation is a good fit for your property, we can help.

At Gough Groves, we manage short-term lets with care, consistency and compliance built in. From cleaning and guest support to dynamic pricing and listing optimisation, we handle it all - so you don’t have to.

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📞 Let’s talk options. Book a free discovery call today.

Or check out our Airbnb management services for more details.