Renters’ Rights Act 2025

What do I need to know?

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now law in England. It introduces major reforms to private renting, giving tenants stronger rights and clearer, fairer rules for landlords. The Act will be rolled out in three phases to give tenants, landlords and councils time to adapt and comply. Phase 1 begins on 1 May 2026, with further measures following in late 2026 and after consultation.

Key changes include the abolition of “no-fault” evictions and the introduction of Awaab’s Law to raise housing standards.

This pdf Government information sheet (249 KB)  explains how the new rules may affect your current tenancy.

Key changes at a glance

Section 21 evictions

Section 21 “no fault” evictions are abolished. Landlords must instead refer to updated Section 8 grounds.

Periodic tenancies

All assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) will become rolling periodic tenancies. There will be no fixed terms. Tenants can give notice to leave, and landlords can only seek possession using valid legal grounds.

Existing tenancies

They change automatically. Most ASTs will convert when Phase 1 begins. Transitional arrangements apply where notices were served before commencement.

Rent and payments

Rent increases

Rent can only be increased once per year and must follow the statutory process. Tenants have the right to challenge excessive increases.

Rent in advance

Landlords may request rent in advance, but only up to one month’s rent. Larger upfront payments are no longer allowed.

Rent bidding

Rent bidding is banned. Landlords and agents cannot invite or accept bids above the advertised rent.

Rights and protections for tenants

Pets

Tenants can request permission to keep a pet in writing. Landlords must consider requests reasonably and respond within set timeframes, giving valid reasons if they refuse.

Discrimination

Refusing a tenancy because a tenant has children or receives benefits is unlawful under the Act. Keep evidence and seek advice immediately if this occurs.

Ending a tenancy

Tenants must give written notice (usually two months) that aligns with their rent period. Always check your tenancy agreement for specific requirements.

Damp and mould

If your home has damp or mould. Keep records. Housing standards reforms, including Awaab’s Law timeframes, will soon apply to the private rented sector.

Social Housing

Awaab’s Law is already in force in the social housing sector. It gives social renters stronger legal protections by requiring landlords to act quickly where serious hazards such as damp and mould are identified.

While the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 primarily focuses on the private rented sector, it introduces wider system changes, including the creation of a landlord database and a new ombudsman, which will improve oversight and accountability across the sector.

Implementation timetable

The Act will be introduced in phases. This phased approach is designed to give tenants, landlords, and letting agents time to understand the changes and for landlords to bring properties up to the required standards.

Phase 1 – From 1 May 2026

(Applies to the Private Rented Sector)

End of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions

• All assured shorthold tenancies become rolling periodic tenancies
• Reformed possession grounds
• Rent can only be increased once per year
• Advance rent limited to one month’s rent
• Rent bidding banned
• Discrimination against benefit recipients or families with children is unlawful
• Tenants may make written requests for pets and landlords must respond within set timeframes

• Stronger enforcement and inspection powers for councils

Phase 2 – From late 2026

• Mandatory private rented sector property database

• New Landlord Ombudsman service

Phase 3 – Following consultation

• Introduction of a Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector
• Requirement for properties to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

• Extension of Awaab’s Law to private rented sector housing

Enforcement and resolution

Enforcement powers

Worcester City Council can request documents, inspect properties, and in certain cases enter premises with a warrant. Penalties for non-compliance have increased.

Landlord Ombudsman

A new Landlord Ombudsman service is expected to launch in late 2026, offering dispute resolution without the need for court action.

Challenging unfair treatment

Tenants can challenge rent increases and unfair practices through the statutory process and, once operational, through the Ombudsman.

What landlords should do now

• You must provide the pdf Government Information Sheet (249 KB) to every tenant named on a tenancy agreement by 31 May 2026 by printing a hard copy, which can be posted or given to the tenants by hand, or by sending the PDF electronically as an attachment.
• Update tenancy agreements to periodic tenancy templates
• Familiarise themselves with the revised Section 8 possession grounds
• Remove any rent bidding practices

• Start preparing for the new Private Rental Sector Database by organising compliance documents