Your Guide to
the Renters' Rights
Act, 2025

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents a significant reform of rental legislation in England. Its primary objectives are to:

• Enhance the rights and security of tenants
• Replace outdated tenancy frameworks
• Improve housing quality and safety
• Simplify the resolution of disputes
• Maintain landlords’ ability to manage their properties effectively

Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, commonly referred to as the “no-fault eviction” provision, permitted landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason. Its abolition is intended to:

• Prevent unjust or retaliatory evictions
• Provide tenants with greater housing stability and assurance

Under the new legislation, all tenancies will become periodic by default. This means:

• There will be no fixed end date
• Tenants may terminate the tenancy with two months’ notice
• Landlords must cite a valid legal reason to end the tenancy
  This approach is designed to offer greater flexibility and clarity for both parties.

A new, independent ombudsman will be established to:

• Provide free, impartial, and binding dispute resolution services
• Offer an alternative to court proceedings
• Be accessible to all private landlords, regardless of the size of their portfolio

The legislation introduces a Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector, requiring that all properties:

• Are safe and free from serious hazards
• Are energy-efficient and adequately heated
• Are maintained in a good state of repair

Yes, landlords may increase rent, but the Renters' Rights Act introduces new safeguards:

• Rent may only be increased once per year
• A minimum of two months’ notice must be provided
• Tenants may challenge excessive increases through a First-tier Tribunal

The government intends to:

• Streamline possession proceedings
• Enhance court efficiency and reduce delays
• Introduce digital tools to facilitate faster dispute resolution

Yes. The Renters' Rights Act introduces a cap on advance rent payments:

• Landlords may not request more than one month’s rent in advance
• This measure is designed to reduce financial barriers for prospective tenants

The Renters Rights Act will commence officially on the 1st of May 2026, with most of the rules being enforced from that date, with further roll outs expected later in the year.

Yes. Tenants will have the right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords may not unreasonably refuse such requests, but may require tenants to obtain pet insurance to cover potential damage.

The legislation includes specific provisions for student housing, allowing:

• Fixed-term contracts for purpose-built student accommodation
• Clearer guidance on notice periods and tenancy terms for students 

Further details will be confirmed. 

Yes. Landlords must:

• Provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering a property
• Have a legitimate reason for entry, such as conducting repairs or safety checks

A new national database will be established to:

• Register all private landlords
• Monitor compliance with housing and safety standards
• Improve transparency and support enforcement efforts

Yes. The Act limits the amount of rent that can be requested upfront, with no more than one month’s rent may be required in advance. This aims to make renting more accessible and affordable