The Renters Rights Act 2025

Implementation of the act has now been confirmed from 1st May 2026 intended to reform the private rental sector by abolishing "no-fault" evictions, ending fixed-term tenancies, and introducing a new, more secure system of periodic tenancies.

Key changes include making it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants with children or those on benefits, banning bidding wars, and implementing a new Decent Homes Standard for rental properties.

The Act will be implemented in phases, with initial changes taking effect in May 2026. 

Key provisions of the act:

• Abolition of "no-fault" evictions: Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants using a Section 21 notice and will instead need to provide a valid reason from an enhanced list of grounds under a Section 8 notice
• End of fixed-term tenancies: Most tenancies will become periodic, giving tenants more security and the ability to move with two months' notice.
• Protection against discrimination: It will be illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against tenants who receive benefits or have children. 
• Ban on bidding wars: Landlords and agents must advertise a property at a specific asking rent and cannot accept offers above that price.
• New standards and regulations: The Act introduces a new Decent Homes Standard for private rentals and applies Awaab's Law to the sector, requiring landlords to fix issues like damp and mould within a specified timeframe.
• Right to request a pet: Tenants will be allowed to request to keep a pet and a landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.
• Financial protections: The Act limits advance rent payments to a maximum of one month.
• New Landlord Ombudsman: A new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will be established to handle disputes between landlords and tenants.
• National landlord database: Landlords will be required to register themselves and their properties on a new national database.

What does this mean for Landlords?