
"While the Bill aims to protect tenants, it’s essential that landlords understand how they can still navigate the legal framework to maintain control over their properties, legally and fairly"
- Dan Flynn - Ellis Jones LLP
Landlords and letting agents must begin preparing for one of the most substantial changes to tenancy law in more than three decades, according to legal experts at Ellis Jones Solicitors.
The Renters' Rights Bill, currently progressing through Parliament and expected to become law in the coming months, will bring major changes to every private landlord and letting agency in England, the south coast law firm has warned.
Speaking at a recent seminar held at the West Hants Club in Bournemouth, senior lawyers from Ellis Jones outlined the wide-ranging implications of the Bill and advised landlords to act now rather than wait for the legislation to pass.
“The direction of reform is clear: a significant shift towards tenant security, transparency and regulatory oversight in the private rented sector,” said Conor Maher, senior associate and solicitor advocate, who specialises in dispute resolution and regulatory law. “Landlords need to prepare now, not later, for the sweeping changes which will come into effect once the Bill passes its final legislative stages after the summer parliamentary recess.”
Dan Flynn, partner and solicitor advocate based in the firm’s Fleet Street office, added, “We must emphasise the importance of early preparation. We urge all landlords and letting professionals to stay ahead of the curve. Understanding the legal shifts now and adopting best practices in line with the expected reforms will minimise future disruption and potential legal exposure.”
The seminar, part of an ongoing series hosted by the firm, was introduced by partner and solicitor Matthew Clake and featured contributions from senior associate John McCarthy. Presenters provided attendees with practical guidance on navigating the anticipated legal changes and adapting to the rebalancing of responsibilities between landlords and tenants.
Key reforms explored during the event included:
The abolition of fixed-term tenancies and Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
New rules on bidding processes, rent increases, and transparency
Requirements for allowing tenants’ pets in rental properties
The extension of the Decent Homes Standard to private sector rentals
The introduction of a redress scheme through an Ombudsman
Restrictions limiting advance rent payments to one month’s rent, alongside a deposit capped at five or six weeks’ rent
Another significant development discussed was the tightening of Anti Money Laundering (AML) requirements for letting agents, which took effect in May 2025. Under the updated rules, agents must screen all prospective tenants, landlords, and other involved parties against the UK financial sanctions list once an offer has been accepted but before contracts are signed or payments received.
If a match is found or suspected, agents are legally obligated to report it to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, regardless of the rental amount. Non-compliance can lead to penalties ranging from fines to prison sentences of up to seven years for serious breaches.
The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, giving local landlords and agents the opportunity to raise concerns and seek clarification directly from the panel.
Commenting after the event, Flynn noted, “Many landlords are understandably concerned about the abolition of Section 21 and the future of possession rights. While the Bill aims to protect tenants, it’s essential that landlords understand how they can still navigate the legal framework to maintain control over their properties, legally and fairly. It’s certainly the biggest shake-up in this area of landlord and tenant law for more than 30 years.”