August 13, 2025
How does Right to Rent work in the UK?
Understanding the Renters’ Rights Bill (UK)
The Right to Rent scheme has been a cornerstone of the UK’s private rental sector for several years, requiring landlords to check that tenants have the legal right to live in the country before letting a property. But with the upcoming Renters’ Reform Bill, the rental landscape in England is about to change in significant ways.
These reforms will affect everyone, from students searching for flats in Bristol, to professionals renting HMOs, to families in single lets. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can prepare.
The upcoming Renters’ Reform Bill is set to make major changes to the private rental sector across England. Key updates include:
- Abolishing Section 21 “no-fault” evictions
- Replacing fixed-term tenancies with rolling periodic agreements
- Limiting rent increases to once per year, aligned with market rates
- Enhancing tenant rights (e.g. keeping pets, banning discrimination)
A Quick Recap: What is Right to Rent?
Under current UK law, landlords (or their letting agents) must verify that all prospective tenants aged 18 and over have the legal right to live in the UK.
This check is done before the tenancy agreement is signed and typically involves:
- Checking original documents (passport, visa, biometric residence permit)
- Making copies and recording the date of the check
- Storing the evidence securely
How This Affects Tenants in Bristol
For renters in Bristol whether you’re in student flats near the universities, HMOs in popular areas like Redland and Clifton, or single lets across the city, these changes are designed to create a fairer, more secure rental market.
You’ll still need to pass the Right to Rent checks before moving in, but once you’re in:
- You’ll have more flexibility to move without being tied to long contracts.
- You’ll have stronger protections against unexpected rent hikes or evictions.
- You’ll have the right to request pets without facing blanket bans.
