The Renters' Rights Act 2025 - what landlords need to know
Stay compliant with upcoming changes to the private rented sector.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 became law on 27 October 2025. This legislation will bring significant reforms to the private rented sector in England, aiming to improve standards, increase transparency, and provide greater security for tenants. In the coming weeks, government will outline how and when the reforms will be rolled out.
As a landlord, understanding these changes now will help you prepare for a smooth transition, avoid penalties, and maintain tenant relationships.
Key changes for landlords
All will be in place from 1st May 2026.
Section 21 evictions will be abolished. Moving to move to a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies are periodic - providing more security for tenants and empowering them to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction. This new system will be implemented in one stage, giving all tenants security immediately.
Tenants will have the right to remain in their homes unless landlords can prove a valid legal reason for possession.
Valid grounds for possession will include:
- Selling the property.
- If you are moving into the property (either yourself or a close family member).
- If the Tenant is in rent arrears or displays anti-social behaviour.
All will be in place from 1st May 2026.
Fixed-term tenancies will be removed. Instead, all tenancies will be periodic, giving tenants the flexibility to leave with two months' notice and protecting them from being locked into unsuitable or unsafe housing.
All landlords will be required to register their properties on a new national database. The database will provide a 'one-stop shop' for landlords allowing them to access relevant guidance through a single 'front door'. This will provide the basis for an effective service, helping landlords understand their obligations and demonstrate compliance.
The database aims to improve transparency and enforcement and will eventually be a condition that landlords need to be signed up to the database to be able to use certain grounds for possession.
Landlords can start preparing now by gathering essential documents:
- Gas safety certificate.
- Energy performance certificate (EPC).
- Electrical installation condition report (EICR)
Tip for landlords: Keep all records up to date and stored in one central location to make this process easier and avoid noncompliance in the future.
The commencement date is still being determined but landlords should start preparing now.
For the first time, private landlords must meet the Decent Homes Standard, ensuring properties are:
- Safe and well-maintained.
- Free from serious hazards e.g. damp, faulty wiring.
- Fit for human habitation.
The Act also extends Awaab's Law to the private sector, requiring landlords to address serious issues like damp and mould within set timeframes. Read more information about Awaab's Law .
Tip for landlords: It's a good time to start thinking about a formalised approach to dealing with any tenant complaints, hazards or maintenance issues if you don't have one already. Getting property inspections sorted early can also help you plan essential maintenance in advance.
All will be in place from 1st May 2026.
Rent increases will be limited to once per year and landlords must give at least two months' notice. Limiting rent increases to once per year and requiring them to reflect market rates, ensures renters can't be priced out unfairly.
Tenants will have the right to challenge excessive increases via tribunal.
A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will also be introduced to handle disputes, with decisions that are legally binding.
What you can do to prepare
To make sure you are ready when the changes come you can start preparing by:
- Ensure you understand what will be required of you and take any legal advice required.
- Reviewing your tenancy agreements and possession procedures.
- Registering your properties when the database opens.
- Ensuring all safety and compliance documents are current.
- Strengthening your current communication with tenants.
- Planning for property upgrades to meet the Decent Homes Standard.
For more information, visit:-
- GOV UK: Guide to the Renters' Rights Act .
- GOV UK: Guide Renting out your property: guidance for landlords and letting agents .
- GOV UK: Renters' Rights Act: Landlord Checklist .
Please note: the changes in the Act also apply to non-registered providers of supported housing and you will need to understand your responsibilities.