Renters' Rights Act 2025
The Renters’ Rights Act became law on 27 October 2025.
Most changes will start in May 2026 for both new and existing tenancies and other parts of the act will come in later.
Key reforms from May 2026
The act reforms the regulation of the private rented sector and is intended to give greater rights and protections to people renting their homes.
These include:
- Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions will end
- all tenancies will default to periodic
- new Section 8 grounds for possession
- new rules for rent increases and for challenging increases
- rental bidding will be banned
- tenants will have the right to request a pet
- landlords must not directly or indirectly ban children or people who claim benefits (some exceptions apply)
Later changes
Rolling tenancies give renters security now. However, there will be more rights coming in later years.
These are:
- new private rented sector database and ombudsman
- Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law will apply to private rented homes
Landlords should update tenancy documents, check their properties and keep clear records to prepare.
Other information
- Guide to the Renter’s Rights Act
- Renting out your property: guidance for landlords and letting agents
- Shelter
- DASH Services
Last updated 01 December 2025