Last Updated: November 2025
In October 2025 the Renter’s Rights Bill was given Royal Assent, meaning it is now an Act and officially a UK law. It is important to note that it is not yet actively in effect, the government have announced that the legislation will come into effect from the 1st May 2026.
We will announce changes our procedures in due course in response to the changes. Below are the key points of the legislation.
Tenancy & Possession
- Section 21 notices will be abolished- meaning ‘no fault evictions’ will no longer be permitted under law. Any notices served under this term before the new legislation comes into effect will remain valid and enforceable as long as action is taken to enforce them before the 1st August 2026.
- Section 8 notice grounds will be modified to allow a Landlord to serve a notice to end a tenancy if they need to sell their property or if they or their family members need to use the house as their permanent residence. These notices cannot be served within the first 12 months of a tenancy and the period of the notice must be at least 4 months. If a notice is served under these grounds, the Landlord will not be permitted to remarket the property to let for 12 months after the notice expires.
- The ground under Section 8 allowing Landlords to serve a 2 week notice if a Tenant is in 2 months of arrears will be amended. Landlords will be able to serve a 4 week notice once a Tenant is 3 months in arrears.
- Fixed term tenancies will be abolished, the reforms will convert all tenancies to period terms. Tenants will be able to end their tenancies at any stage by serving two months’ notice to vacate.
- Landlords and Agents will not be able to discriminate against Tenants who are claiming benefits or have children.
- ‘No pet’ tenancies will no longer be permitted unless the Landlord has reasonable cause to refuse this request.
Tenancy Negotiations & Rent Increases
- Rental bidding wars will no longer be permitted; this is to prevent Landlords and Agents accepting rents above listed values.
- Rent increases imposed during tenancies are limited to one annual rent increase that is capped at the market value of the house. A 2 month notice period will need to be given to implement rent increases. Tenants will be able to challenge increases via First-tier Tribunal, and any increases that are contested will not be payable until the tribunal has adjudicated.
Housing Standards & Enforcement
- The government will be introducing a ‘Decent Homes Standard’ that will need to be met. Fines of up to £7,000 may be imposed if these standards are not met.
- Awaab’s Law will be extended to apply to the private rental sector. This will set out timeframes for Landlords to address houses with ‘serious hazards’.
- A digital private rented sector database will be created that will provide information to Landlords, Tenants and Councils about the industry, legislation and compliance.
- Local authorities will be given greater powers to investigate and enter privately rented properties to ensure that Landlords are complying with existing and new legislation. Financial penalties will be ‘substantially increased’ for those who are found non-compliant.
- A new ombudsman service will be introduced to help resolve issues between Landlords and Tenants. The government have said this will be fair and impartial and reduce the need for the courts to be involved in these disputes.
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