Five tips for navigating the Renters’ Rights Bill
With the Renters’ Rights Bill returning to the House of Lords on October 14th for its final stages before Royal Assent, renters across England are preparing for sweeping changes – especially those with pets or hoping to get one.
Under the Bill, landlords will no longer be able to refuse pet requests without a valid reason, marking a major shift in how pet ownership is treated in the private rental sector. After the Bill was returned to the House of Commons to consider amendments, some Lords proposed allowing landlords to charge extra deposits for pets, but this was rejected. Instead, landlords may require pet insurance, but they cannot ask for additional deposits.
To help pet loving renters prepare, Gary Barker, rental expert from tenant referencing platform Canopy, said, “The revised Renters’ Rights Bill removes outdated barriers for pet owners and encourages responsible ownership, giving renters more freedom to enjoy the companionship of animals. But with landlords scrutinising applications more closely, renters need to be proactive.”
Demonstrating reliability and financial responsibility will be key, so Gary has shared his top five tips for navigating the new bill.
- Renting with pets
Landlords must now respond reasonable to pet requests. You can strengthen your case by providing references from previous landlords, outlining your pet’s behaviour and training, and offering pet insurance. Blanket bans are no longer allowed, and refusals must be justified.
- Securing a tenancy fairly
With bidding wars banned, landlords must now stick to the advertised asking rent. If you believe your landlord or agent has accepted a bid above the listing price, raise the issue immediately and request evidence of compliance. At the same time, remember that landlords can no longer reject applicants simply because they have children or receive benefits. If you think you’ve been discriminated against, keep written records and seek advice from Citizens Advice or Shelter.
- Know your rights on rent rises
From 2026, landlords will only be able to raise rents once per year, and only in line with the market rate. If you receive an increase that seems unfair, you’ll be entitled to challenge it at a tribunal. To strengthen your case, monitor similar rental prices in your area and keep a record of communications with your landlord. Canopy’s data shows that average rents in Q2 2025 were 4.27% higher than the same period in 20242.
- Stay on top of repairs and standards
Under Awaab’s Law and the extension of the Decent Homes Standard, landlords will be obliged to act quickly on serious hazards such as damp and mould. Report issues in writing as soon as they appear, take photos, and keep a clear timeline of responses. If your landlord fails to act, you’ll be able to escalate complaints to the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.
- Plan ahead for moving out
Fixed-term contracts will be replaced by rolling periodic agreements, which give renters more flexibility to leave. You’ll need to provide two months’ notice before moving, while landlords will no longer be able to use no-fault evictions to remove tenants at short notice. Protect yourself by documenting the condition of the property when you move in and out, and by keeping all correspondence in writing to avoid disputes over deposits or notice periods.
