Renters’ Rights Act 2025: Key Changes for Landlords

Tue 2 December 2025

THE RENTERS’ RIGHTS ACT

The Renters’ Rights Act, which received Royal Assent in October 2025, is the most significant reform to the private rented sector in decades. Intended to create a fairer, more transparent rental market, the Act introduces new rules that every landlord and letting agent must understand before they come into force on 1st May 2026.
 

 Key changes:

End of Section 21 “No Fault” Evictions
Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason. Possession must be sought under the enhanced Section 8 grounds, such as selling the property, moving in, or dealing with rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.

All tenancies will become periodic
Fixed-term tenancy contracts will be replaced by rolling (periodic) tenancies, giving tenants flexibility and landlords the chance to retain good tenants for longer.

Rent increases
It will only be possible to increase rents once per year, with at least two months’ notice, and tenants can challenge unfair hikes through a tribunal.

Ban on rental bidding & advance payments  
Landlords can only accept the advertised rent price and cannot request more than one month’s rent upfront.

Anti-discrimination & pets
Refusing tenants because they have children or receive benefits will be prohibited. Tenants also gain the right to request pets, which landlords must reasonably consider.

Better property standards
The Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law will apply to the private rented sector, requiring hazards like damp and mould to be dealt with promptly.

New compliance requirements
A Private Rented Sector Database and a Landlord Ombudsman will be introduced, making registration and dispute resolution mandatory.

How can we help?

RH & RW Clutton’s lettings department are committed to assisting landlords navigate legislative changes. We offer a range of services from let only to full management and can include reviewing your current tenancy agreements and compliance documents, property inspections, implementing a rent increase strategy and assisting with property registrations on the upcoming PRS Database.

Contact Sam Benson MARLA to discuss your requirements.

Read more about the Renters’ Rights Act.  Please note this article is intended as a guide only and does not constitute legal advice.

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