Renters Rights Act

Main Panel Title

This will have a phased implementation from 1 May 2026.

Introduction

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is a landmark reform designed to make renting fairer and safer across England. It introduces open-ended tenancies, abolishes ‘no-fault’ evictions, strengthens property standards, and creates new systems for dispute resolution. The Act aims to give renters greater security while ensuring landlords meet clear legal obligations.

Impact on Local Councils

Local councils now play a central role in enforcing these new rules. Under the Act, councils have:

  • A statutory duty to enforce compliance in the private rented sector.
  • Expanded investigatory powers, including the ability to demand information and enter premises.
  • Authority to issue civil penalties up to £7,000 for breaches and £40,000 for serious offences.
  • Powers to pursue Rent Repayment Orders, initiate criminal prosecutions, and restrict landlords’ possession rights if they fail to register.
  • A requirement to report enforcement activity to the Secretary of State, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Impact on Private Landlords

Landlords face significant changes under the Act, including:

  • End of Fixed-Term Tenancies: All tenancies will become open-ended periodic agreements.
  • No-Fault Evictions Abolished: Possession only allowed on specific legal grounds.
  • Rent Rules: Increases limited to once per year via Section 13 notice; maximum one month’s rent in advance; ban on rent bidding.
  • Tenant Rights: Reasonable requests for pets must be considered; no discrimination against tenants with children or on benefits.
  • Property Standards: Compliance with the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law for damp and mould.
  • Registration & Redress: Mandatory membership of the PRS database and Ombudsman scheme.
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Fines up to £40,000, Rent Repayment Orders, and loss of possession rights for failure to register.

Impact on Tenants

Tenants gain stronger rights and protections, including:

  • Security of Tenure: All tenancies become open-ended; you can leave with 2 months’ notice.
  • No-Fault Evictions Abolished: Landlords must have a valid legal reason to evict.
  • Rent Protections: Increases limited to once per year with proper notice; ability to challenge unfair rent hikes at a tribunal; maximum one month’s rent upfront.
  • Pets and Fair Treatment: You can request a pet; landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. No discrimination based on children or benefits.
  • Safer Homes: Stronger standards under the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law for damp and mould repairs.
  • Future Support: Access to a free Ombudsman service and ability to check landlord registration.

Official GOV.UK Guidance

General guidance: https://www.gov.uk/private-renting

Enforcement guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/enforcement-of-the-new-tenancy-system-under-the-renters-rights-act-2025

Scan the QR code below for GOV.UK Renters’ Rights guidance:

Renters Right Act QR code to access further guidance
 

Downloads

If you rent out your property, you have legal responsibilities. Find out more about all your responsibilities as a landlord.