Three amendments, including one affecting student landlords, to the Renters' Rights Bill have been struck down by the House of Lords.
That means the 'ping pong' process between the Lords and the Commons is over as the Bill will now become law.
The latest debate saw peers reject proposals to broaden the student possession ground, relax reletting rules after a property sale falls through, and introduce a separate pet deposit for tenants.
Student possession ground rejected
Ministers resisted the idea of extending the student possession ground to one- and two-bedroom homes, maintaining that it should remain limited to HMOs housing three or more students.
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage attempted to calm fears about the impact on student housing, saying: "Lords have raised concerns that the Bill could cause severe shortages of student accommodation or force students into expensive purpose-built student accommodation.
“We do not expect our reforms to have that level of destabilising effect on the rental market."
However, Baroness Scott of Bybrook disagreed, questioning the logic of treating smaller student households differently.
She said: "I still do not understand why a group of students is not being looked after quite the same as other students."
The peer raised concerns for equality in the student housing sector, with housing for students who want or need small homes.
She added: "Not every student can either work or live comfortably in an HMO, and not every student can afford specific student accommodation."
Other amendments rejected
An amendment to shorten the reletting ban following a sale falling through from 12 to six months also failed to gain approval.
Peers were further disappointed when plans to allow landlords to take a separate pet deposit were dismissed.
However, ministers hinted that the matter could be reviewed later if evidence supports amending the Tenant Fees Act.
Peers also rejected a proposal to introduce a new possession ground for landlords seeking to reclaim a property to house a carer.
Details come after Royal Assent
The Bill now goes back to the Commons for approval and then Royal Assent.
Although the specifics will be revealed later through secondary legislation, the reforms will become law once that step is finished.
Landlords will then need to focus on the government's implementation schedule, which includes the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions and the transition of all tenancies to periodic.
Ministers have assured landlords that they will have ample time to adapt, although no specific date has been set .
Secondary legislation will be needed for the establishment of an ombudsman and a landlord database.
'Ground 4A sparked much debate'
The chief executive of Goodlord, William Reeve, said the final vote signals a decisive end to years of uncertainty.
He added: "Despite rumours that they would dig their heels in; the House of Lords has clearly run out of steam.
"Once again, demand amongst the Lords for both a pet deposit scheme and changes to Ground 4A sparked much debate, but ultimately the government won out, and these amendments won't become part of the final bill.
"This brings to a close years of speculation, U-turns, and false starts. We are now hurtling towards these new rules becoming a reality."
Mr Reeve went on to say that lots of agents are still prepared for the implementation of the Bill.
Understanding periodic tenancies
Valerie Bannister, the head of lettings at LSL Estate Agency Franchising, said: "It's clear that we're entering one of the most significant periods of change the private rented sector has seen in decades.
"The reforms are set to rebalance rights and responsibilities across the market - but they also demand that landlords and letting agents act now to prepare."
She added: "My advice to agents and landlords is simple: review, adapt and communicate - and begin these processes now if you haven't already.
"The move toward periodic tenancies and the phasing out of Section 21 will fundamentally change how we manage lets, so understanding the practical implications early is vital."
Bill is a defining moment
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said the Renters' Rights Bill represents a defining moment for student landlords and tenants alike.
He said: "This legislation is about to reshape how students rent across the UK.
"The removal of Section 21 and the shift to periodic tenancies will alter how every property is managed, especially in the student sector, where academic calendars and short rental cycles have always been key.
"By rejecting the amendment on smaller student homes, the government has signalled that it expects the sector to adapt rather than rely on exemptions."
