Landlords: Why The Renters’ Reform Bill Isn’t the End but a New Beginning

12th May 2025

For many landlords, especially those who rent to students, the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill might seem like a major disruption. It’s understandable, changes to long-standing rental practices can feel like the rug is being pulled out from under you. But before we jump to worst-case scenarios, let’s take a closer look.

The truth is, the Bill isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it may well be the beginning of a more balanced, transparent rental market. One where both landlords and tenants know exactly where they stand.

Yes, the Student Cycle Will Change But That’s Not Necessarily Bad

One of the biggest concerns for landlords in university towns like Brighton is the disruption to the traditional academic rental cycle. Under the new rules, fixed-term tenancies for students will largely be replaced with periodic tenancies. This shift has caused understandable anxiety: will students still commit to 12-month stays? Will landlords face mid-year vacancies?

The answer is: things will change, but change can bring opportunity.

While the structure might be different, demand for student housing isn’t going away. Universities are still admitting students in record numbers, and young renters still want consistent, safe, well-managed homes. What’s likely to happen is a period of adjustment, followed by a new kind of rhythm that might even suit some landlords better. You may have more flexibility to adjust rents to market levels between tenancies, or open your property to a wider pool of renters outside the traditional academic cycle.

Clarity and Transparency Protect Everyone

Once the Bill is fully rolled out, both landlords and tenants will benefit from a clearer legal framework. This isn’t about taking power away from landlords but making expectations transparent on both sides.

You’ll know exactly what your responsibilities are, and what rights you have when it comes to things like notice periods, rent increases, and evictions. That means fewer grey areas, fewer disputes, and potentially fewer costly tribunal cases or court processes.

For professional landlords who already maintain high standards, this should be a welcome change. The Bill raises the bar across the board, helping to weed out rogue landlords who give the rest of the sector a bad name.

What Can Landlords Do Now?

The best thing landlords can do is get ahead of the curve. Read up on the changes, understand how your rental practices might need to adapt, and be ready to communicate clearly with your tenants.

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a shift, yes but not a disaster. If anything, it’s a step toward a more modern, fair, and transparent rental market. By embracing these changes and planning ahead, landlords can come out stronger, not weaker.

The future of renting might look a little different but it could be better for everyone.

Read our recent RRB breakdown here

Renters’ Rights Webinar?

Coapt will be hosting a webinar over the coming months and would love to hear from landlords about what they want to hear from the experts!

Would you like a comprehensive look at the Renters’ Reform Bill, or with recent mortgage rate cuts, is now the time to re-mortgage your properties and get guidance from one of our expert mortgage brokers?

Drop your suggestions here