The Renters' Rights Bill: committee stage now underway

For a recap of the key reforms proposed in the Renters’ Rights Bill and what these changes mean for renters and landlords, check out our previous blog.

Key dates for the Bill and current progress

The committee stage began on 22nd April, with further sessions scheduled for 24th April, 28th April, and 6th May. The Government has stated the process could take up to eight days and possibly longer, depending on how quickly Peers make progress. This stage has taken longer to arrive than usual, with more than two and a half months passing since the Bill's second reading. However, it's now expected that the Bill will reach Royal Assent before Parliament’s summer recess in July, with implementation likely between October and December 2025.

What happens during the committee stage?

The committee stage is where the Bill is examined line by line, so every clause, schedule, and amendment is open for discussion and potential change. Before each session, proposed amendments are compiled into the ‘marshalled list’, which is updated daily. Every amendment can be debated, and Members can speak for as long as needed. If changes are agreed upon, the Bill is reprinted with all amendments included.

Next steps: the report stage

Once the committee stage wraps up, the Bill moves to the report stage, where further scrutiny and additional amendments can be made. This is usually followed closely by the third reading, before the Bill returns to the House of Commons to review any changes made in the Lords.

Will the amendments be accepted by the House of Commons?

With a large Commons majority and the Bill fulfilling major manifesto pledges, the Government is expected to reject most amendments from the House of Lords. If that happens, the Bill will go through ‘ping pong’, bouncing between the Lords and Commons until agreement is reached. While the Lords can delay progress, they can’t block the Bill entirely, meaning it's almost certain to become law in its current form, or close to it.

What’s next?

As mentioned, the committee stage has taken longer than usual to begin, with over two and a half months passing since the Bill’s second reading. It is now anticipated that the Bill will receive Royal Assent before Parliament’s summer recess in July and is likely to be implemented between October and December 2025. For landlords, it will be important to keep abreast of any updates.

The Renters’ Rights Bill focuses on addressing rogue landlords, giving ethical landlords a competitive advantage in attracting quality tenants. By adapting to these changes and partnering with a trusted agent like Winkworth, landlords can confidently navigate the evolving rental market while safeguarding their investments and ensuring profitability. With a thorough understanding of legislative updates, Winkworth agents provide expert guidance to help landlords remain compliant and avoid potential legal challenges.