Renters' Rights Act 2025

A guide for landlords on the key changes and what they mean for you and your tenants.

Important Notice

The Renters' Rights Act received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. Many measures have not yet come into force. The government will publish a separate timeline for implementation. We'll keep this page updated as new information becomes available.

What's Changing?

The Act transforms the private rented sector, ending Section 21 'no fault' evictions and introducing new protections for both tenants and landlords.

Section 21 Abolished

No-fault evictions are ending. All assured tenancies will become periodic, giving tenants greater security while landlords retain clear possession grounds.

Periodic Tenancies Only

Fixed-term tenancies are being removed. Tenants can stay until they give 2 months' notice, providing flexibility for both parties.

New Possession Grounds

Landlords can still recover properties for legitimate reasons including selling, moving in, rent arrears (3+ months), or antisocial behaviour.

Private Rented Sector Database

All landlords must register on a new database to demonstrate compliance and use certain possession grounds.

Decent Homes Standard

The Decent Homes Standard will apply to private rentals, ensuring safer, better quality homes for tenants.

Pets Allowed

Tenants have strengthened rights to request pets. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse and can require pet insurance.

Landlord Possession Rights

While Section 21 is being abolished, landlords retain clear grounds to recover their property when there's good reason.

Possession for Sale or Moving In

12-month protected period at start of tenancy
4 months' notice required
Cannot re-let for 12 months after using these grounds

Rent Arrears

Mandatory ground increased to 3 months' arrears (from 2)
4 weeks' notice required (from 2 weeks)
Discretionary grounds still available for repeated late payment

Antisocial Behaviour

Can serve notice at any point in tenancy
No database registration required for this ground
Court must award possession if ground is proven

Rent Increases

Once per year to market rate
2 months' notice via Section 13
Tenants can challenge at Tribunal (won't pay more than landlord asked)

Other Key Measures

Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman

All private landlords must join the new Ombudsman service. It will provide free, impartial resolution for tenant complaints and can compel landlords to apologise, take remedial action, or pay compensation. Failure to join can result in penalties up to £40,000.

No Rental Discrimination

It will be illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children.

Rental Bidding Banned

Landlords and agents must publish an asking rent and cannot ask for or accept offers above this rate.

Awaab's Law

Clear legal timeframes for landlords to take action on serious hazards, ensuring homes are made safe promptly.

Implementation Timeline

Royal Assent

27 October 2025

Implementation timeline published

Coming soon

New tenancy system comes into force

TBC

PRS Database launches

TBC

Ombudsman service launches

TBC

The new tenancy system will apply to all private tenancies on a single date. Existing tenancies will convert automatically.

Read the full government guide

Need Help Understanding the Changes?

Our team stays up-to-date with all legislation changes. We can help ensure your properties remain compliant and advise on the best approach for your portfolio.

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