The Renters Rights Act 2025

In brief:

The Renters’ Rights Act became law on 27 October 2025, with

implementation expected in early 2026. The new law brings major changes

to the way renting works in England. It’s designed to make renting fairer,

more secure, and easier to understand for both tenants and landlords.

Once the Act takes effect, all tenancies will become periodic, meaning

renters will no longer be locked into fixed-term contracts. Evictions without

reason will end, and tenants will have greater protection against unfair rent

increases. The Act also introduces a national landlord register, updated

housing standards, and stronger rules to ensure homes are safe and

decent to live in.

Key changes include:

• End of ‘no-fault’ evictions: Section 21 evictions are abolished.

Landlords must now rely on updated Section 8 grounds to regain

possession, with notice periods ranging from two weeks to four

months.

• All tenancies to become periodic, giving tenants more flexibility and

stability.

• Rent increases limited to once per year, with the right to challenge

rents above market rate through a tribunal.

• Pets in rented homes: Tenants can request to keep pets. Landlords

must give valid reasons for refusal and can require pet insurance.

• Decent Homes Standard extended to private rentals, including

Awaab’s Law, which sets timescales for landlords to address serious

hazards.

• New Ombudsman for disputes: The Private Rented Sector Landlord

Ombudsman will provide binding resolutions to tenant complaints.

Private Rented Sector Database: Landlords must register to ensure

compliance, with some possession grounds only available to

registered landlords.

• Anti-discrimination measures: Landlords cannot refuse tenants based

on benefits or children.

• No rental bidding: Landlords must advertise a set rent. Offers above

the advertised rate will be unlawful.

• Stronger enforcement: Local authorities gain new investigatory

powers, higher civil penalties, and enhanced reporting requirements

to improve compliance across the sector.

• Tougher penalties for rule-breaking: Rent repayment orders will apply

to superior landlords, with maximum penalties doubled. Repeat

offenders may be required to repay the full amount.

Why it matters:

This is one of the most significant overhauls of renting law in recent years.

The Act aims to give tenants greater security, stability, and fairness, while

ensuring landlords follow clear, consistent standards in managing

properties and treating tenants.

Next steps:

Tenants and landlords should review tenancy agreements and seek advice

to understand how these changes may affect them. Further updates will

follow as the Act comes into force in 2026. If you need tailored support you

can contact Lewes District Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7892 or visit our

housing page on our website, we may be able to help with any questions or

queries regarding your rented property.