The landscape of rental housing is evolving with the introduction of the New Renters’ Rights Bill, bringing significant changes that landlords must adapt to and it is expected to pass into law in Summer 2025. As the Bill is currently written, the implementation of the new legislation for both new and existing tenancies is due to take place on the same day – so no allowance for phasing in or out.

Whether you own a single rental property or manage multiple units, staying informed is key to maintaining compliance and fostering positive tenant relationships. Here are the top seven things landlords need to know:

1. Tenancy Periods

The new legislation will mean that landlords and tenants will no longer agree fixed term tenancy periods – the death of ASTs …. Instead, tenancies will run from month to month until either the tenant serves notice, or the landlord meets on of the grounds for regaining possession of the property. Furthermore, the first 12 months of a tenancy is protected for tenants – landlords will not be allowed to move back into the property nor sell it (unless they sell to another landlord who can take the tenancy over.) These tenancies will be known as assured periodic tenancies.

📌 Tip: Get your new tenancy agreements drawn up ahead of time.

2. Stronger Protections Against Evictions

One of the biggest shifts in the new bill is the tightening of eviction rules. In many cases, landlords will now need to provide legitimate reasons for ending a tenancy, such as property sale or the landlord moving in. "No-fault" evictions are being phased out, meaning tenants have greater security in their homes.

📌 Tip: Always document any lease violations or late payments carefully. If you need to evict a tenant, follow the legal process to avoid fines or disputes.

3. Stricter Rent Increase Regulations

The new bill places caps on rent hikes to prevent landlords from imposing excessive increases. Some jurisdictions now require a longer notice period for rent adjustments, and landlords may need to justify any substantial increases.

📌 Tip: Check your local regulations before raising rent and ensure any increase aligns with the legal limits. Transparency with tenants can also prevent disputes.

4. Enhanced Property Maintenance Standards

Landlords will face stricter obligations regarding property maintenance. Minimum housing standards will be enforced more rigorously, requiring landlords to ensure properties are safe, habitable, and well-maintained at all times.

📌 Tip: Conduct regular property inspections and address repairs promptly to avoid penalties. Preventive maintenance can save you money in the long run!

5. New Regulations on Security Deposits

Many new laws limit the amount landlords can charge for security deposits and mandate faster return timelines after a tenant moves out. Some areas even require interest payments on held deposits.

📌 Tip: Keep a separate, dedicated account for security deposits and document any deductions thoroughly to avoid legal disputes.

6. More Tenant Rights on Pets

Some jurisdictions are introducing laws that restrict blanket pet bans in rental properties. Landlords may be required to accommodate pets unless they pose a serious issue (e.g., health risks in shared housing).

📌 Tip: If you’re concerned about potential damage, consider pet deposits or pet rent instead of outright bans. Clear pet policies in the lease can help prevent issues.

7. Increased Penalties for Non-Compliance

Fines and legal consequences for landlords who fail to follow the new rules are steeper than ever. Some laws allow tenants to sue for wrongful evictions, and non-compliance with rental regulations can result in hefty fines or legal action.

📌 Tip: Stay informed, update your lease agreements, and consult a legal professional if you’re unsure about compliance. Investing in legal knowledge now can save you from expensive penalties later.

Final Thoughts

The New Renters’ Rights Bill is designed to create fairer and more transparent rental markets, but it also brings new responsibilities for landlords. By staying proactive, understanding the changes, and maintaining open communication with tenants, landlords can successfully navigate this new legal landscape while protecting their investments.

Buying a medical practice outright or becoming a partner could be the next step in your healthcare career. And once you've done your research into a practice's viability, its location, the patient base and the value of its NHS contracts, it's time to start looking for financing options.

Financing a new practice is slightly different to financing a partnership. In this article, we'll explore your options, whether you want to strike out on your own or buy into an established practice.

Funding a new practice

Tax loans

As a startup, VAT and tax demands can put a considerable strain on your finances. A tax loan lets you pay what you owe in manageable monthly amounts and ensures you don't have cash flow difficulties paying off a large tax bill.

Practice loans

Practice loans are a type of unsecured loan available to GPs and can provide high funding levels at favourable interest rates. One of the benefits of a practice loan is that it's not just for startups. You can use the money for a partnership buy-in, for cashflow support or any time you need a capital injection into your practice.

Working capital finance

This type of finance is also known as net working capital and is used for your practice's day to day running costs. This financing option boosts your available working capital.

Financing medical equipment

Purchasing the equipment you need for a new practice is one of the biggest drains on your expenses. You might decide on asset leasing or spread the cost using hire purchase in the short term. Whether you purchase new equipment or good quality secondhand, specialist asset financing options can help fund the equipment you need, from IT hardware to equipping your practice room.

Becoming a partner

If you're a GP in an established practice, you may be looking at a partnership rather than your own practice. Most lenders are keen to finance a new partner buy-in either because an existing partner is leaving or retiring or because the current partners are keen to offer you a partnership.

Buy-in loans

The size of your buy-in loan will depend on the percentage of the freehold on offer. The other partners will determine this figure, generally calculated as an equal share. So, for example, if you're invited to purchase a 25% share in a £1 million practice, you'll need a £250,000 buy-in loan.

Most lenders will be comfortable offering an unsecured loan for the total amount. However, you could choose to secure the loan in return for a better interest rate.

New to a Partnership payment scheme

This NHS backed scheme aims to move health professionals into practice partnerships. Successful applicants receive a training fund to develop new partnership skills and an additional lump sum payment to support their establishment as a new partner.

Applying for funding

When applying for funding, you'll be required to provide the following information:

- Three months of personal bank statements
- Three years of practice accounts if applying for a buy-in loan
- A personal profile detailing your monthly incomings and outgoings and any assets
- Projected salary and notional share of the rent from the practice
- Proof of the percentage you're purchasing for a buy-in loan
- Confirmation of the amount you want to borrow

Medical practice loans from Funding Round

At Funding Round, we're a business finance broker specialising in finance for health professionals. With access to major banks and specialist lenders, we can find the right loan for you, whether you're buying in as a partner or setting up your own practice. Contact us now to discuss your financing options.