Grainger plc (LON:GRI), the UK’s largest listed provider of private rental homes and leader in the Build to Rent (BTR) sector, has noted the progress of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which has been passed by the House of Commons and will now move to receive Royal Assent before the end of 2025, with implementation expected in 2026.
Helen Gordon, Chief Executive of Grainger, said:
“We welcome the passage of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which we believe will raise standards across the private rented sector while ensuring the market remains attractive to long-term, responsible investors. The abolition of no-fault evictions, when coupled with court reform and robust processes for addressing poor tenant behaviour, strikes the right balance between improving security for renters and protecting communities.
“By confirming that rents will remain aligned to the open market and ruling out rent controls, the Government is providing stability for investors and landlords, while ensuring reforms deliver stronger rights and greater confidence for renters. These reforms align closely with Grainger’s business model and our focus on providing high-quality, mid-market rental homes with excellent service, enabling residents to put down roots and thrive in their communities.
“We also welcome the Government’s acknowledgement of BTR and support for the sector as part of the Bill’s implementation plans. Wider Government policy focus on increasing housing supply and removing barriers in the planning system reinforces a supportive regulatory environment consistent with our strategy. We will continue proactive engagement with policymakers to ensure we remain well-positioned to benefit from these developments.
“As the Bill moves to Royal Assent, we are ready to implement these changes with immediate effect if required, although implementation is not expected until 2026. This is due to our leading approach to operations, well-established processes and the high standards across our portfolio. We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers to ensure its implementation supports both renters and the continued investment needed to deliver more homes across the UK.”
| Key measures | Comment from Grainger |
| Abolition of ‘No Fault Evictions’ (Section 21) | Powers will remain to evict tenants on non-payment of rent and anti-social behaviour. |
| Rent review process(Section 13 & First Tier Tribunal) | Grainger welcomes the introduction of an annual open market rent review process (Section 13) coupled with the Government’s commitment to a screening process and the ability to introduce backdating for rent challenges to ensure tenants are protected from egregious rent rises whilst preventing spurious challenges clogging up the Tribunal. |
| Pet friendly policy | The new pet friendly policy aligns with our business model and current policy and practices. |
| Decent Homes Standard | With a portfolio of high-quality, modern and efficient homes, Grainger’s leading operating platform has processes, systems and everything needed in place. |
| Open-ended periodic tenancies | Grainger welcomes this measure to encourage renters to stay for longer, aligned to our business model of high customer retention and satisfaction. |
