The UK government has announced that key elements of the Renters Reform Bill will be delayed until 2026, citing court system readiness and implementation logistics.
While the delay has frustrated tenant groups, it offers landlords more breathing room—and more time to plan.
This article outlines what’s been pushed back, why it matters, and how landlords can use 2025 to strengthen their position.
What’s Been Delayed?
❌ Section 21 Abolition
- “No fault” evictions under Section 21 will now remain in place until at least late 2026.
- Government cited the need for “court digitisation and processing reform.”
❌ Mandatory Property Portal
- While still planned, the central compliance register is not yet operational.
- Expected launch now rescheduled to mid-2026.
✅ Other Reforms Still Live
- Periodic tenancies remain the direction of travel.
- Landlord-tenant documentation standards will still rise.
- Local authority enforcement is expected to increase.
Implications for Landlords
🟢 Flexibility Preserved
- You can still regain possession via Section 21 under current rules.
- This helps with planning around refinancing, sales, or re-letting timelines.
🟢 Operational Clarity
- Existing systems (licensing, tenancy format) remain in place for now.
- No mandatory shift to portal or tenancy type yet.
🔴 Uncertainty Persists
- Delays mean longer tail of legal ambiguity.
- Landlords must prepare for a staggered rollout, not a single reform moment.
Strategic Moves for 2025
- Audit your existing portfolio for readiness: licensing, EPC, compliance.
- Review tenancy agreements to ensure they’re future-proof.
- Prepare for digitisation—whether via agents or landlord software.
Ethira’s advisory team is helping landlords implement proactive systems in 2025, so they’re not caught out when reforms do land.
Final Thoughts
The delay gives landlords time—not a free pass.
The long-term shift toward tenant protections, transparency, and professional standards will continue. But 2025 is now a window to act without regulatory disruption.
Landlords who use this time wisely will emerge in a far stronger position in 2026.