How the General Election Announcement Impacts the Renters (Reform) Bill

Anna Hughes • May 29, 2024
Anna Hughes Woodstock Legal Services

Landlord & Tenant Specialist Lawyer Anna Hughes examines the impact of the newly announced General Election on the Renters (Reform) Bill, a significant piece of legislation that was aimed at transforming the private rental sector.


Understanding the Implications of the General Election on the Renters (Reform) Bill


Having a fair and balanced rental market is crucial for both tenants and landlords alike. The Renters (Reform) Bill, a key element of the Conservative Party’s 2019 manifesto, aimed to address this balance by abolishing Section 21 'no fault' evictions and strengthening landlords' rights to repossess their properties. However, the recent announcement of the General Election on 4 July meant the Bill failed to gain Royal Assent.


Impact of Parliamentary Dissolution


The Renters (Reform) Bill successfully passed through the House of Commons and was in the committee stage in the House of Lords. Despite this progress, the Bill did not make ‘wash up’. So, with Parliament dissolving on 30 May 2024 the Bill is arguable in the shredder.


The upcoming dissolution marks the official end of a Parliament, rendering all House of Commons seats vacant. With the Bill being missed from the Parliamentary timetable for the last legislative day (24 May), the Bill cannot advance further before dissolution. This delay means the reform now lies with the incoming Government post-election.


The Importance of the Renters (Reform) Bill


Security for Tenants


One of the Bill’s primary objectives is to abolish Section 21 'no fault' evictions, providing tenants with greater security. This change would prevent landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason, thus offering tenants more stability in the private rental sector.


Rights for Landlords


Simultaneously, the Bill ensured landlords have reasonable grounds for repossessing their properties when necessary. By balancing tenant protection with landlord confidence, the Bill sought to create an attractive environment for investment in the private rented sector.


Future of the Renters (Reform) Bill


The Bill’s future is now uncertain. Even if the Conservative Party wins the upcoming election, the Bill cannot simply continue from where it left off; it must be reintroduced and pass again through all legislative stages, practically taking several steps back.


Potential Scenarios Post-Election


Conservative Majority: If the Conservatives secure a majority, they may reintroduce the Bill, potentially with revisions based on feedback and political strategy.


Labour or Coalition Government: Should Labour or a coalition form the next Government, the approach to rental market reform could change, impacting the specific provisions and priorities. We’ll know more when the Labour Manifesto is released on Thursday 4th July.


What Landlords Should Do Now


Given this period of uncertainty, landlords should stay informed about legislative developments and be prepared for potential changes. Understand your portfolio and make sure your tenancies are compliant. Engaging with professionals such as well-informed lettings agents, educational providers, membership forums and landlord solicitors will provide much needed guidance and ensure you can successfully manage your portfolio within future regulations when they are implemented.


Navigating the Future: Landlords Must Stay Prepared and Informed


The Renters (Reform) Bill represents a significant step towards a fairer rental market. However, its progress is at a halt by the upcoming General Election. Landlords must remain vigilant and seek expert legal advice to navigate this evolving landscape.


Specialist Advice for Landlords from Woodstock Legal Services


For tailored legal advice from experienced landlord solicitors, contact Anna Hughes in our award-winning Landlord & Tenant Team. Email Anna at a.hughes@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk or complete the form below to schedule a consultation.


Contact Us

News & Insights

By Coco Beverley • October 14, 2026
We are delighted to share that Woodstock Legal Services has been shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year - South of England at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2026 . We are also proud to see Bethany Hudson , one of our Consultant Licensed Conveyancers, shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year. With our head office in Poole, Dorset, we are proud of our roots in the South West and the relationships we have built within the region’s property community. These shortlists recognise both the strength of our Residential Property team and the people behind the scenes who support our clients throughout their property journey. At Woodstock Legal Services, our focus has always been on building a conveyancing service that works for both our clients and our consultants. By bringing together experienced conveyancers with dedicated back-office support and the right infrastructure, we aim to make the process of buying and selling property as straightforward as possible, while giving our lawyers the flexibility and support to deliver excellent client care. Our connection to the South West remains an important part of who we are. Through relationships with local property professionals and organisations such as Poole Property Club , we continue to build connections within the property market while supporting clients across England and Wales. Over the past year, our Residential Property team has continued to grow, supported by investment in our people, processes and technology. Our dedicated back-office teams play an equally important role, helping keep transactions moving so our conveyancers can focus on their clients and the legal work that matters most. Being shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year in the South of England is a recognition of the collective effort behind our service, from the conveyancers working directly with clients to the teams supporting them behind the scenes. Car Jermyn Managing Director of Woodstock Legal Services, added: " I’m incredibly proud to see Woodstock Legal Services shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year and Bethany Hudson recognised as a Rising Star. Both awards reflect the quality of our lawyers and the commitment of the wider team supporting them. It’s great to see the work happening across our business recognised, particularly in the South of England, where our roots are firmly established. " A growing modern law firm As we continue to grow, we are always keen to speak with experienced lawyers who want to work differently, be properly supported, and be part of a collaborative community. Behind every successful consultant is the right firm. Click here to see why consultants choose Woodstock.
Rental agreement document with house keys, a purple keyring, and a pen ready to sign - Woodstock
By Zoe Turner • September 22, 2026
England's new landlord register launches 15 Dec 2026 under the Renters' Rights Act. Check your regional deadline and avoid fines up to £40,000
Historic London street with red-brick legal offices, UK
By Adnan Rafique • September 22, 2026
Untangling a historic trust, title restriction and finance issues on a £1.45m commercial property sale - a Woodstock case study
Wildfire burning across dry grassland toward oak trees, with smoke rising — a scene raising fire lia
By Zoe Turner • September 4, 2026
Grass and wildfires are spreading across the UK. Find out when an accidental fire becomes negligence, and who could be liable for the resulting damage.
Modern commercial building with blue glass windows, showcasing a sleek legal office exterior
By Pedro Camilos • August 27, 2026
Expert property solicitor Pedro answers questions on auction purchases, refinancing, title splits and multi-unit property investments. Get practical legal guidance.
Woodstock Legal Services law office sign on the building exterior
By Alastair Dobbie • August 18, 2026
Invested in a care home, hotel or student flat scheme that collapsed? Learn what an unauthorised Collective Investment Scheme means for you.
Row of terraced UK houses with red tiled bay windows and greenery, Woodstock Legal Services branding
By Zoe Turner • July 17, 2026
Section 114 Notices are already landing. Zoe Turner explains what local authorities can demand under the Renters' Rights Act, and how to prepare.
Traditional red brick UK terraced homes with bay windows, Woodstock Legal Services
By Bethany Hudson • July 1, 2026
Using a Lifetime ISA to buy your first home? Bethany Hudson explains how LISA withdrawals work in a property transaction, what to tell us early, and how to avoid costly delays.
The Welsh flag waving against a dark blue sky, showing a red dragon on white and green Woodstock
By Zoe Turner • May 28, 2026
What changes under the Renters’ Rights Act affect Welsh landlords? Learn about anti-discrimination rules, occupation contract updates, compliance deadlines and what does not apply in Wales.
DISCOVER MORE