Renters' Rights Bill: Third Reading

Parliament voted on 14 January 2025 to pass the Renters' Rights Bill at its Third Reading, the final stage of consideration in the House of Commons before the bill moves to the House of Lords. The result was 440 votes in favour and 111 against, a substantial majority for the government. Third Reading is the last opportunity for MPs to accept or reject a bill in its entirety after all amendments have been debated.

The Renters' Rights Bill represents a significant overhaul of the private rental sector in England. Its passage advances a package of tenant protections that, among other measures, abolishes Section 21 "no-fault" evictions (which currently allow landlords to end tenancies without giving a reason), strengthens renters' rights to challenge unfair rent increases, and introduces new standards landlords must meet. The bill affects an estimated 11 million private renters in England, as well as the landlords and letting agents who operate in the sector.

The vote divided almost entirely along party lines. Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Democratic Unionist Party, Plaid Cymru, the Greens, and the Social Democratic and Labour Party all voted in favour. The Conservatives and Reform UK voted against, with the Conservatives providing the overwhelming majority of the 111 no votes. There were no notable cross-party rebellions in either direction. The bill now moves to the House of Lords for further scrutiny, where it may face additional amendments before becoming law.