If you’re a landlord in Wigan, you’ve probably heard about the Renters’ Rights Bill – also known as the Renters (Reform) Bill. It’s one of the biggest changes to rental law in decades, and it’s going to impact how tenancies work across the country – including right here in Wigan.
Whether you let out one terraced home in Ince or manage a portfolio across Hindley, Standish or Orrell, you need to know what’s changing and what to do about it.
This blog explains the Renters’ Rights Bill in plain English – with a clear focus on what it means for local landlords, how to stay compliant, and how Belvoir Wigan can help.
What is the Renters’ Rights Bill?
The Renters’ Rights Bill is a piece of legislation currently moving through Parliament. It’s designed to update and simplify the private rented sector in England – and aims to:
- Improve the experience for tenants
- Give them more security and confidence
- Support responsible landlords
- Tackle rogue practices
In short, the bill will change how tenancies begin, how they end, and how disputes are handled.
If you’re already managing your property professionally, these changes aren’t something to fear – but they do mean you’ll need to adjust how you work.
Why is it being introduced?
The government says the bill is designed to make renting fairer, simpler and more stable. Concerns have been raised over:
- Short notice evictions
- Poor housing conditions
- Lack of recourse for tenants when things go wrong
- A lack of consistency in how landlords operate
With more people renting for longer, the government wants to raise standards across the board – while still allowing landlords to manage their investments effectively.
What are the key changes in the bill?
While the bill hasn’t passed yet, here are the headline proposals that landlords should prepare for.
1. Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions will be scrapped
At the moment, landlords can serve a Section 21 notice to end a tenancy after the fixed term, without giving a reason.
Under the new rules, Section 21 will be abolished. Instead, landlords will need to use Section 8, which means giving a valid legal reason – such as:
- Persistent rent arrears
- Anti-social behaviour
- Wanting to sell the property
- Needing the property for personal use
For Wigan landlords: This means you can still regain possession, but you’ll need to follow stricter procedures and be ready to provide documentation. A letting agent like Belvoir Wigan can help you stay on the right track.
2. Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced with rolling contracts
The bill proposes moving to periodic (rolling) tenancies by default – meaning:
- Tenancies will no longer have a fixed end date
- Tenants can leave with two months’ notice at any time
- Landlords must use a Section 8 ground to regain possession
Locally: This gives tenants more flexibility and may mean landlords need to manage turnover more proactively. But it also reduces void periods between fixed terms – a bonus if you’ve got good tenants in place.
3. Landlords must register with a new property portal
All landlords will need to register their rental properties on a new government-run property portal. This will track:
- Safety certificates (EPC, gas, electrical)
- Compliance with deposit protection rules
- Tenancy agreements
In Wigan: The portal will make compliance more transparent – which is great if you’re already doing things properly. If not, it’s time to get up to date.
4. Landlords must join an official redress scheme
All landlords – even those using an agent – will need to join a government-approved ombudsman. This gives tenants a way to raise complaints and resolve disputes without going to court.
For you: It adds a layer of accountability, but also helps protect you from escalation when issues are handled properly.
5. Tighter rules on rent increases
Under the bill, landlords will only be able to increase rent:
- Once per year
- With a minimum of two months’ notice
Rent increases must be fair and reflect local market conditions. Tenants will be able to appeal through a tribunal if they disagree.
In Wigan: This won’t change much for landlords who already review rent annually. But it means no more short-notice increases or multiple changes in one year.
6. No blanket bans on pets or families
Landlords won’t be allowed to issue blanket bans on tenants with children, or on those receiving benefits.
They’ll also need to consider requests for pets – though you can still refuse if the property isn’t suitable.
Locally: This means reviewing your tenancy clauses. If your property isn’t pet-friendly, you’ll need to explain why – rather than just saying no outright.
How will this affect landlords in Wigan?
If you’re already letting legally and responsibly, this bill won’t turn your world upside down – but it does mean more paperwork, clearer communication, and tighter processes.
Here’s what we expect to change for landlords across Wigan:
You’ll need stronger records
Without Section 21, you’ll need to prove your reasons for ending a tenancy – which means:
- Keeping full rent payment records
- Documenting inspections and issues
- Recording all communication
Letting agents like Belvoir Wigan already do this as standard – which makes your life easier and your position safer.
There’ll be more pressure on DIY landlords
If you self-manage, these changes could become overwhelming – especially when it comes to notices, tenancy updates and legal compliance.
With a professional agent, you don’t have to worry about missing a deadline, breaching legislation or dealing with tenant disputes alone.
Letting agents will become even more valuable
The role of the agent is changing. It’s no longer just about advertising and finding tenants – it’s about protecting your asset, staying compliant and navigating legal change.
If you’re not getting that from your current agent, it may be time to talk to us.
Learn more about our landlord services
What about landlords who sell?
Belvoir Wigan is also a sales branch, which means we can support landlords who decide to exit the rental market – whether that’s one property or several.
With changing legislation and higher interest rates, some landlords may want to:
- Sell vacant properties on the open market
- Sell tenanted properties to other landlords
- Explore switching to residential use
We can help you:
- Value your property accurately
- Prepare it for market
- Handle the sale from start to finish
- Coordinate with tenants to reduce disruption
Request a free market appraisal from Belvoir Wigan
What can landlords do now?
You don’t have to wait for the law to change. You can start preparing now, and avoid last-minute stress later.
1. Review your tenancy agreements
Are they up to date? Do they reflect current law? Do they include pet clauses, deposit terms, and safety information?
2. Check your documentation
Do you have:
- A valid EPC (rating E or above)?
- A current gas safety certificate?
- An electrical safety report (EICR)?
- Proof of deposit protection?
If anything’s missing, now’s the time to act.
3. Learn about Section 8
Understand the grounds for possession under Section 8. If you’re unfamiliar, we can talk you through them – or handle notice service for you.
4. Keep communication professional
Maintain clear records of emails, texts and maintenance logs. This helps if a disagreement arises – and keeps you protected.
5. Talk to your letting agent
If you’re not sure where you stand, a quick call could save a big problem down the line. We offer free consultations to review your current setup.
Final thoughts
The Renters’ Rights Bill is a major legal change – but it’s not something to panic about.
If you’re managing your property properly, it’s about tightening up your systems and getting support where needed. For landlords in Wigan, it’s also an opportunity to review your portfolio, refresh your strategy and plan ahead with confidence.
At Belvoir Wigan, we’re here to help you:
- Understand the new rules
- Stay compliant
- Manage your properties professionally
- Decide whether to keep, let or sell
