Renters’ Rights Act 2025 receives Royal Assent
The Renters’ Right Bill received Royal Assent on 27th October 2025, becoming the Renters’ Right Act 2025. This will transform it from proposed legislation to law.
The commencement date for the Act is not yet known, however the provisions of the Act will be immediate upon the commencement date for both existing and new tenancies. It is expected the commencement date will likely be mid to late 2026.
Key Provisions:
- Abolition of the Section 21 ‘No Fault’ Evictions:
No landlord will be able to evict tenants without specific reason; they must end the tenancy via obtaining an order for possession under the Grounds for Possession in Section 8. The Act introduces changes to the previous Section 8 grounds and adds new provisions, for example, for agricultural workers. This will apply to both new and existing tenancies from the commencement date of the Act.
- End of fixed term tenancies:
Both existing and new tenancies will transition to periodic tenancies on the commencement date of the Act. This means tenancies will be open-ended with no fixed term. Tenants will be able to terminate their tenancy at any point upon serving two months’ notice (or less if the agreement states a shorter period).
- 12 Month Protected Period:
At the beginning of tenancy, the landlord cannot apply to evict tenants within the first 12-months.
- Restrictions on Rent Increase:
Landlords can only increase rent once per year using the existing statutory mechanism under Section 13.
- Rental Bidding Ban:
Landlords cannot accept rental bids above advertised rental price and cannot encourage rental bidding.
- Introduction of the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law:
All privately rented homes must now meet minimum quality and safety standards.
- Creation of a Private Rented Sector Database:
A new national database will enable local authorities to track rental properties and enforce the new regulations. Landlords will legally be required to register both themselves and their properties on the database. If landlords are not registered, they won’t be able to get an order for possession (other than Grounds 7A and 14 for tenant anti-social behaviour).
- Discrimination ban:
It will be unlawful for landlords to refuse tenants on the basis that they receive benefits or have children.
- Right for tenants to request consent for a pet
Tenants will be able to ask their landlord for consent to have a pet. The landlord will not be able to turn down this request unless they have reasonable justification. This right only applies to tenants, not applicants, therefore landlords can still state ‘no pets’ on any listing.
Although an exact implementation date has not yet been provided, the Act is expected to come into effect in 2026.
If you would like to discuss how the reforms may impact your properties and tenancies, please contact a member of the Sworders team.