Understanding the Renters (Reform) Bill: An Overview of Likely Changes

Following its Third Reading in the House of Lords on 21 July 2025, only minor drafting amendments were made to the Renters (Reform) Bill (‘the Bill’), signalling the Lords’ broad approval of its substance.

If the Bill is given Royal Assent in its current form — with no last-minute policy reversals when it returns to the Commons on 8 September 2025 — it will mark the most significant overhaul of tenancy law since the Housing Act 1988.

This article outlines the key reforms envisaged by the Bill to help landlords, tenants, and investors prepare for the changes ahead.

Should Flat Owners Wait Before Exercising the Right to Manage?

The Government has now brought into force a number of provisions under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, implementing parts of the Law Commission’s recommendations relating to the Right to Manage (RTM). These were commenced by the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2025, which came into force on 3 March 2025.

While these reforms improve the existing RTM process in important ways, many of the more far-reaching recommendations remain outstanding and may be included in a future Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill. This raises the practical question for flat owners: should they proceed with an RTM claim now, or wait to see if further changes are made?

Insurance Costs Under Review: Government Publishes Response on Permitted Insurance Fees

As part of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, the government has proposed introducing new regulations to define what landlords and managing agents can charge leaseholders in connection with arranging building insurance.

A consultation was launched in December 2024 to seek views on what should constitute a “permitted insurance fee.” The government’s formal response was published on 11 July 2025.