Renters Rights Act

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces important reforms to improve fairness, security and transparency in the private rented sector. The Act ends “no-fault” evictions, establishes assured periodic tenancies and strengthens protections against unjust rent increases. These changes aim to provide greater stability for tenants while supporting responsible landlords, helping to create safer homes and stronger communities.

Landlords are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with these changes to ensure compliance and maintain positive relationships with their tenants.

Tenants are also advised to familiarise yourselves with these changes to understand how the changes may impact your current or any future tenancies.

For full details on what the Act means for renters and landlords, please visit the Government’s official guide.

Please see below with a brief summary of some of the changes created by the Act.

Timeline and key phases

• Phase 1 – New tenancy structure & eviction rules: implementation on 1 May 2026 (fixed-term ASTs to periodic; abolition of no-fault Section 21 evictions)
• Phase 2 – PRS Database & Ombudsman: due late 2026
• Phase 3 – Updated housing standards (Decent Homes & Awaab’s Law): staged into 2027–2037, implementation details yet to be finalised

Key changes under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025

• Ending Section 21 evictions and moving all assured tenancies to a periodic structure, giving tenants greater security and confidence to challenge poor practice or unfair rent increases.
• Fair possession grounds that balance tenant security with landlords’ ability to recover properties when reasonable, with safeguards to prevent misuse.
• Protection against backdoor evictions, allowing tenants to appeal excessive rent increases through an independent tribunal.
• A new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman for quick, impartial resolution of tenant complaints.
• A Private Rented Sector Database to help landlords understand obligations, demonstrate compliance and support informed choices for tenants.
• Strengthened rights to request pets, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
• Applying the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, ensuring timely action on serious hazards and improving housing quality.
• Banning discrimination against tenants with children or in receipt of benefits.
• Ending rental bidding, making it illegal to accept offers above the advertised rent.
• Enhanced enforcement powers for local authorities, including stronger penalties and reporting requirements.
• Expanded rent repayment orders, with tougher penalties for repeat offenders.

For full details, visit the Government’s official guide.