The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: what you need to know
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: what you need to know
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (“the Act”) has been described as the biggest change to private renting in a generation. So what are the changes and when will they take effect?
What are the main changes?
- The end of Section 21 notices
Perhaps the biggest change implemented by the Act is the abolition of Section 21 notices i.e ‘no fault’ evictions. This means Landlords will no longer be able to obtain possession purely based on the fixed term of a tenancy coming to an end and will need a reason to evict their tenants. The reasons, or grounds, will need to be given in a section 8 notice. The Act has increased the number of grounds for possession under section 8 and has made some changes to existing grounds. For example, and of particular note, is that if a Landlord wishes to obtain possession based on rent arrears (Ground 8) the notice period will increase from 2 to 4 weeks. Further, if rent is paid monthly, at least 3 months’ rent must be owed, compared to the current level of 2 months.
- The end of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (“AST”)
There will no longer be fixed terms AST’s and instead, these will change to a system of ‘rolling’ or periodic Assured Tenancies. This will give greater flexibility to Tenants as there will be no end date within the tenancy. Tenants will need to give their Landlord 2 months’ notice to end their tenancy, unless a shorter notice period can be agreed between the parties.
- Rent increases
Landlords will only be able to increase rent once a year, by giving their Tenants a Section 13 notice, setting out the new rent and giving at least 2 months’ notice of it taking effect. If a Tenant believes the proposed new rent will exceed market rate, they can ask the First-Tier Tribunal to review it.
- Rent in advance
Landlords will no longer be able to ask for more than 1 month’s rent in advance.
- Right to request a pet
The Act implies into all private sector Assured Tenancies a right to keep a pet at the property with the Landlord’s consent which cannot be unreasonably withheld. A Tenant will need to write to their Landlord to ask for permission and include a description of the pet they wish to keep. The Landlord will be required to reply within 28 days but this can be extended if the Landlord reasonably requires further information.
- An end to bidding wars
Landlords and letting agents will need to publish the proposed rent and thereafter must not invite, encourage or accept offers of rent higher than the advertised sum.
- Prohibition on rental discrimination
The Act will outlaw discriminatory practices by Landlords and agents against Tenants with children or those claiming benefits.
When will the changes happen?
The new rules outlined above will come into effect on 1 May 2026. Other changes such as a private rented sector database and a free complaints service will follow from late 2026.
If you are a Landlord considering serving a Section 21 notice you will need to ensure this is done before 30 April 2026. If we can assist, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01270 611106.
This article is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide specific legal advice. It should not be relied upon in the absence of specific advice given in relation to particular circumstances.
