The Renters Rights Act 2025: What Every Landlord Needs to Know

The Renters Rights Act, that had become law after the Renters Rights Bill received Royal Assent on 27 October, came into effect on 1 May 2026.

The law introduces sweeping reforms to make renting fairer, safer, and more transparent for tenants, while also clarifying landlords' responsibilities.

Whether you manage one property or a large portfolio, understanding these changes now will help you stay compliant, avoid penalties and maintain positive relationships with your tenants.

Here’s what every landlord should know.

The End of Section 21 “No-Fault” Evictions

Perhaps the most talked-about change is the abolition of Section 21. This means landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason. Instead, all tenancies will become periodic (rolling contracts) and repossession can only be granted under specific grounds, such as:

• Selling the property
• Moving in yourself or for a close family member
• Persistent rent arrears or anti-social behaviour

A New Private Rented Sector Database

Every landlord will now be required to register their properties on a new national database. This is intended to be a system designed to improve transparency and help local authorities enforce standards.

Documents you’ll need for this registration include:

• Gas Safety Certificate
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

So, keep all certifications up to date and stored digitally. Missing documents could result in penalties or a ban from the register.

Meeting the Decent Homes Standard

For the first time, private landlords must meet the Decent Homes Standard. This means that all properties must now be:

• Safe and structurally sound
• Free from serious hazards such as damp, faulty wiring or poor insulation
• Fit for human habitation

Additionally, Awaab’s Law will extend to private rentals, requiring landlords to fix health-related issues like damp and mould within strict timeframes.

Fairer Rules for Rent Increases

The Act introduces tighter controls on rent increases.

Landlords will only be allowed to raise rent once per year, with at least two months’ notice, and tenants will have the right to challenge unfair rises through a tribunal.

You’ll also only be able to request one month’s rent in advance once a tenancy agreement has been signed.

A Stronger Dispute Resolution System

A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will handle disputes between landlords and tenants. All landlords must register with the scheme once it launches, and its decisions will be legally binding.

This independent process aims to reduce the burden on courts while ensuring fair, fast resolutions. Maintaining clear records of maintenance, repairs and tenant communications will be essential.

Pets in Rental Properties

Tenants will gain the right to request a pet, and landlords can’t unreasonably refuse. However, landlords may require pet insurance to cover potential damage.

Landlords need to take the following steps now:

• Update tenancy agreements with pet clauses
• Create fair rules on pet behaviour and damage
• Consider including proof of pet insurance in new tenancy paperwork

Protecting Tenants from Discrimination

The Renters Rights Bill bans discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children.

Applications must be assessed solely based on financial suitability, references and credit history.

Now’s the time to review your tenant screening policies to ensure they comply with the new non-discrimination rules.

Stronger Local Authority Enforcement

Local councils will gain greater powers to investigate and penalise non-compliant landlords. Expect higher fines and more inspections for breaches of rental law.

Next Steps: Preparing for Renters Rights Act Compliance

The Bill has received the Royal assent, so landlords should begin preparing now.

Here’s how you should proceed:

• Review your properties and plan necessary upgrades
• Update tenancy agreements to reflect new legal requirements
• Digitise your records for easy access and compliance tracking
• Join professional landlord associations for guidance and updates

Conclusion

The Renters Rights Act 2025 is not just another regulation, it’s a blueprint for a fairer, safer and more transparent rental market.

By embracing these changes early, landlords can protect their investments, strengthen tenant trust and continue to operate successfully in the evolving housing landscape.