The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces the biggest shake up of the private rented sector in years. It introduces wide-ranging changes affecting tenancy agreements, landlord responsibilities, rent reviews, possession procedures, and property standards. 

Landlords need to understand the reforms and prepare for additional compliance. 

Key Reforms Under The Act

Abolition of Fixed- Term Tenancies

• All tenancies will be assured periodic tenancies, giving tenants greater security and flexibility.
• Abolishment of Fixed-Term Tenancies.
• For student landlords, the traditional "academic year" tenancy model will no longer apply.

End of Section 21 'No Fault' Evictions

• End of ‘No Fault’ Evictions – Section 21 Notices. 
• Landlords must rely on  Strengthened Section 8 Grounds, including new mandatory grounds for sale or re-occupation, and new student HMO grounds.

Rent Review Process Changes

• Rent increases will be permitted once a year.
• Rent increases must be issued using a formal Section 13 Notice.
• Tenants can already challenge rent increases at the First Tier Tribunal, however under the Bill, the Tribunal cannot backdate decisions and may defer rent increases by up to two months in cases of hardship.

Tenant Rights and Anti-Discrimination 

• Landlords cannot refuse tenant applications based on receipt of benefits or family status, they must consider all tenants fairly.
• Tenants may request permission to keep a pet in writing, and landlords must respond reasonable to all requests within a strict timeframe.

Rent In Advance Restrictions 

• Landlords cannot request  upfront rental payments before the tenancy is entered into and are capped on the amount that can be requested.

Rental Bidding Ban

• The Act bans bidding wars. Landlords and agents can no longer accept, encourage, or request that a prospective tenant offers to pay more rent than the amount originally advertised.

Property Standards and Compliance

• Standards regarding damp and mould will be raised with the introduction of Awaabs Law and the Decent Homes Standard requiring stricter obligations on property condition and stricter compliance. This is likely to be brought in 2026/2027 as secondary legislation will be required.
• Local authorities will have enhanced enforcement powers. 

Mandatory Landlord Registration and Dispute Resolution 

• All landlords will be required to register with a central database through local authorities.  This registration will be mandatory and a property cannot be let nor can a landlord  apply for possession of the property unless registered. 
• There will be a new Ombudsman to support resolution of landlord-tenant disputes. 

Local Authority Enforcement Powers

• Local authorities will have more powers in relation to investigation and enforcement of housing law compliance. 

Do These Changes Impact Welsh Landlords?

Some of the changes will impact Welsh landlords, more information can be found here.

Implementation Timeline

Download the Renters’ Rights Act: Implementation Timeline and  Guidance: Renters’ Rights Act for Residential Landlords for detailed information on the changes outlined in these information pages.  

Please view the all the Renters Rights Act 2025 information below:

• Abolishment of Fixed-Term Tenancies
• End of S.21 ‘No Fault’ Evictions
• Strengthened Section 8 Grounds
• Rent Increases: What’s Changing Under The Renters' Rights Act
• Tenants Requests For Keeping A Pet In A Residential Tenancy
• Rental Bidding Ban under The Renters’ Rights Act
• Landlord Database and Legal Ombudsman
• Advance Rent Payments Banned under The Renters’ Rights Act 2025
• Awaabs Law and The Decent Homes Standard under The Renters' Rights Act
• Increased Local Authority Powers under Renters' Rights Act
• Wales And The Renters' Rights Act: What Welsh Landlords Need To Know