The House of Lords has backed a series of amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill, delivering key wins for Propertymark’s campaigning to create a fair, practical and professional private rented sector. Among the positive changes passed were pet damage deposits, expanded student tenancy protections, mandatory post-legislative reviews, and a new measure enabling Primary Authority assured advice for letting agents under the Tenant Fees Act.
Pet damage deposits approved
The UK Government was forced to do a U-turn in the Report Stage debate yesterday, 7 July 2025, with Peers voting to allow landlords to request an additional three weeks’ rent as a pet damage deposit. This replaces the original proposal for pet insurance, which was dropped following concerns over viability.
This practical solution aligns with Propertymark’s call to protect landlords while supporting tenants’ rights to keep pets.
Lord Deben stated: “He was perplexed how the UK Government thought it was necessary to have insurance; they now say it is not. Therefore, they already admitted that there needs to be something additional to protect the landlord in the case of somebody having a pet. Frankly, the argument does not stand up to say that that is not so.”
Reduced re-letting ban on unsold properties
An amendment reduced the ban on re-letting unsold properties from 12 months to 6 months, where landlords serve notice to sell but the sale fails to happen. Although evidence must be given to prove fair marketing, and that no suitable offers were refused. This reduction will help landlords avoid long void periods, prevent unnecessary financial penalties, and keep more properties available to rent.
Post-legislative reviews and continued campaigning
Courts capacity
Further amendments are still to be debated, which will take place on 15 July 2025 in the House of Lords. Courts’ capacity is one of those, and it remains a long-standing concern about the capacity and capability of the Courts, with the time from claim to hearing continuing to rise. The Bill in its current form may lead to an increase in contested hearings, as landlords that would previously have used no-fault provisions will instead have to show evidence for the reason for eviction.
The Secretary of State must conduct a review of the impact of this Act on the judicial system. The review must, in particular, assess the impact of the Act on—the volume of cases brought before the courts; the efficiency and timeliness of judicial proceedings; the resource and administrative burden on the courts; individuals’ ability to access justice and consult legal practitioners and their representative bodies, and court administration officials.
