Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – Information for landlords and tenants
The Renters’ Rights Act makes renting safer and fairer for tenants, and clearer for landlords. Changes are being made in three phases. Phase 1 begins 1 May 2026.
Read more details about the changes and how they will affect tenants and landlords:
- Renting out your property – Government guide for landlords and letting agents
- Renters’ Rights Act: Changes for private tenants – information from Shelter
- Renting is changing – Government campaign explaining the changes
You can read a summary of the key points below.
Information for landlords
Phase 1 - Changes from 1 May 2026- Section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions end on 1 May 2026. You will need a legal reason (possession grounds) to ask a tenant to leave.
- All tenancies become rolling month‑to‑month.
- Rent can only rise once a year and you must give 2 months’ notice.
- You can only take 1 month’s rent in advance. Payment can’t be requested before the agreement is signed.
- Every tenancy must have a written contract.
- You need a fair and clear process for pet requests.
- You must not accept rent bidding above the advertised price.
- You must not discriminate against families or people who get benefits.
- You must join the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman when it is available
- You must register each property on the new private rented sector database.
You must meet the Decent Homes Standard, including rules to fix damp and mould (Awaab’s Law).
- Review your tenancies and update them to match the new rules.
- Check your property is safe and meets standards.
- Keep clear records of repairs and rent changes.
- Gather essential compliance documents in advance (gas safety and energy performance certificates, electrical installation condition report etc)
- Prepare to register with the Ombudsman scheme when it is available
- Register each property on the new private rented sector database
- Renting out your property – Government guide for landlords and letting agents
- Renting is changing – Government campaign explaining the changes
- Contact us for help with safety and compliance.
Information for tenants
Your new rights- You cannot be evicted without a legal reason. Section 21 notices are ending.
- You can end your tenancy at any time with 2 months’ notice.
- Rent can only go up once a year, and you must get proper notice. You can challenge increases through the First-tier Tribunal.
- You cannot be asked to offer more than the advertised rent.
- You cannot be discriminated against for having children or receiving benefits.
- You can ask to keep a pet. The landlord must reply within 28 days.
From December 2025, councils have stronger powers to investigate landlords and enforce compliance. We can:
- Check homes for safety compliance (in some cases without a warrant).
- Ask landlords or agents for documents and certificates relating to safety and compliance
- Give higher penalties for non-compliance.
- Learn about your new rights - Information from Shelter
- Keep records of rent changes, repairs and any problems.
- Contact us if you feel unsafe or if you have been treated unfairly.
