Date Published 15 September 2025
The Renters' Rights Bill will end the unfair practice of pitting renters against each other in bidding wars. By outlawing rental bidding, we will level the playing field for renters and crack down on the minority of unscrupulous landlords who make the most of the housing crisis by forcing tenants to bid for their properties.
Once enacted, the Renters' Rights Bill will require landlords and letting agents to publish an asking rent for their property. It will also prohibit them from asking for, encouraging, or accepting any bids above this price.
By directly tackling rental bidding, the Renters' Rights Bill will improve the experiences of prospective tenants across England and ensure that the exploitative approach currently taken by a minority of unscrupulous landlords is ended for good.
Frequently asked questions
Won't this just encourage landlords to leave the market?
The majority of landlords do not currently encourage rental bidding and the government does not expect these reforms to have a destabilising effect on the rental market.
When will you implement the rental bidding prohibition?
Following Royal Assent of the Renters' Rights Bill, we will allow time for a smooth transition to the new system. We will support tenants, landlords and agents to understand and adjust to the new rules, while making sure that prospective tenants can benefit from the reforms as soon as possible.
We are engaging with the sector on the implementation of the rental bidding provisions and will provide more information in due course.
How will this be enforced in England?
We are giving local councils powers to impose civil penalties on landlords and anyone acting directly or indirectly on their behalf up to £7,000 for breaches.
Landlords and letting agents can receive multiple civil penalties for continued and repeat breaches.
Our enforcement system will keep routes to justice open for tenants. Tenants will be able to pursue a breach through their local council and seek redress through the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman and letting agent redress schemes.
Will local government be funded to enforce the rental bidding provisions?
The government will carry out a New Burdens exercise to analyse the financial implication on local government of implementing and administering these provisions.
In line with the New Burdens doctrine, the government will fully fund the cost of any additional duties on local government.
Which nations do the rental bidding provisions apply to?
Housing is a devolved matter. The rental bidding provisions apply only in England.
Credit- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-bill/guide-to-the-renters-rights-bill
