The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is a major change to renting in England. It affects evictions, tenancy agreements, rent, fees, pets, and housing standards. If you own rental properties, you need to know the key dates and rules to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
What’s changing:
- You can no longer evict tenants just because the fixed term ends or you want the property back for no reason.
- All new and existing tenancies automatically become Assured Periodic Tenancies -monthly rolling agreement until either party give notice.
- Evictions can now only happen for specific reasons, such as:
- Rent arrears
- Anti-social behaviour
- Property damage
- Moving back into the property as your primary address
- Breaking other tenancy obligations
Practical tips:
- Review all tenancy agreements before 30 April 2026.
- You can still serve Section 21 notices before 30 April 2026.
- Keep good records and evidence if you need to use Section 8 grounds for eviction.
Rent Increases
What’s changing:
- You can increase rent only once a year, even if your contract previously allowed more frequent reviews.
- Must use a formal notice process (Section 13).
Practical tips:
- Plan your rent reviews carefully — you can’t raise rent more than once a year.
- Always use the formal notice form to avoid disputes.
Rent in Advance & Fees
What’s changing:
- Maximum rent in advance is now one month at the start of the tenancy.
- No “rental bidding” the advertised rent must be the actual rent.
- Other fees will be restricted.
Practical tips:
- Update your tenancy agreements and property advertising.
- Make sure tenants are only charged allowed fees.
What’s changing:
- You cannot refuse a tenant because:
- They have children
- They receive housing benefits
- They belong to a protected group (race, gender, disability, etc.)
Practical tips:
- Make your tenant selection process clear and fair.
- Document why you accept or reject an applicant to prove compliance.
What’s changing:
- Tenants now have the right to request pets.
- Blanket “no pets” policies are no longer allowed.
- Landlords can refuse only for reasonable reasons (e.g., property unsuited, headlease restrictions).
Practical tips:
- Review your property policies to allow tenants to request pets.
- Include clear rules about pet responsibilities in tenancy agreements.
What’s changing:
- Housing must meet minimum health and safety standards, including:
- Damp and mould control (building on Awaab’s Law)
- Gas, electrical, and fire safety
- Adequate heating and ventilation
Practical tips:
- Conduct regular safety checks and document compliance.
- Fix issues promptly to avoid enforcement action or fines.
- Prepare for higher long-term standards planned in later years.
What’s changing:
- A mandatory Private Rented Sector (PRS) database will be launched.
- All landlords must register properties and pay fees.
- A Landlord Ombudsman will oversee complaints and disputes.
Practical tips:
- Make sure your contact and property details are up to date.
- Join the ombudsman service when it starts to avoid penalties.
