What Is the Renters' Rights Act 2025?
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is a piece of UK legislation that reforms the private rented sector in England. It received Royal Assent in 2025 and its provisions are being implemented in phases through 2026 and 2027.
The Act is sometimes confused with the earlier Renters (Reform) Bill introduced by the previous government. That Bill did not complete its passage through Parliament. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the current, enacted legislation — it covers similar ground but is a distinct law.
For landlords, the Act introduces several new obligations and changes how tenancies are structured, managed, and ended.
Key Changes for Landlords
1. Abolition of Section 21 (No-Fault Evictions)
Section 21 notices — which allowed landlords to end a tenancy without giving a reason — are abolished. Landlords who need to regain possession of a property must now use reformed Section 8 grounds, each of which requires a specific reason and notice period.
This means you can no longer end a tenancy simply because a fixed term has expired. You must demonstrate a valid ground for possession, such as wanting to sell the property or move in yourself.
2. Single Tenancy System
Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) no longer exist. All private tenancies are now periodic assured tenancies. There is no fixed term — tenancies continue until the tenant gives notice or the landlord obtains possession through the courts.
Existing ASTs will automatically convert to periodic assured tenancies on the relevant commencement date.
3. Written Statement of Tenancy Terms
Every landlord must provide their tenant with a Written Statement of Tenancy Terms. This is a new compliance document containing eight categories of prescribed information about the tenancy.
Deadline for existing tenancies: 31 May 2026. New tenancies require the Written Statement before the tenancy begins. The penalty for non-compliance is a civil fine of up to £7,000 per tenancy.
There is no government template — you must create the document yourself, use a solicitor, or use an automated service like RentCompliant (£15, 2 minutes).
4. Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
A new PRS Ombudsman will handle disputes between landlords and tenants. All private landlords will be required to join the Ombudsman scheme. The Ombudsman will have the power to order compensation and require specific actions from landlords.
The Ombudsman scheme is expected to be operational by late 2026 or early 2027.
5. PRS Database (Landlord Registration)
The Act creates a new national database of private rented sector properties. All landlords will be required to register their properties. The database will be publicly searchable, allowing tenants to check landlord compliance.
6. Rent Increases
Rent review clauses in tenancy agreements are banned. Landlords may only increase rent once per year using the Section 13 notice procedure. Tenants can challenge above-market increases through the First-tier Tribunal.
7. Tenant Right to Request a Pet
Tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. If permission is granted, the landlord may require the tenant to obtain pet damage insurance.
8. Decent Homes Standard Extended to Private Sector
The Decent Homes Standard, previously only applicable to social housing, will be extended to the private rented sector. This sets minimum standards for property condition that landlords must maintain.
What Must Landlords Do Now?
The most immediate obligation is the Written Statement of Tenancy Terms, with a deadline of 31 May 2026 for existing tenancies.
Here is the recommended action plan:
- Provide the Written Statement to all current tenants via RentCompliant (£15 per tenancy, 2 minutes)
- Send the Information Sheet to all current tenants via RentCompliant's free service
- Review the full checklist of landlord obligations in the compliance checklist guide
- Understand your eviction options — Section 21 is gone, so familiarise yourself with the reformed Section 8 grounds
- Prepare for registration with the PRS database and Ombudsman when those requirements are announced
Who Does the Act Apply To?
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies to all private landlords in England who let property under an assured tenancy. This covers the vast majority of private residential lettings.
The Act does not apply to:
- Social housing tenancies
- Properties in Wales (which has separate legislation)
- Lodger arrangements (where the landlord lives in the same property)
- Holiday lets and short-term lets
- Purpose-built student accommodation managed by educational institutions
If you let residential property privately in England — whether you own one property or a portfolio — the Act almost certainly applies to you.