Changes for Renters and Landlords Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025

11 million people rent privately in the UK, and almost 2.3 million landlords rent out their homes. All of them need to be aware that things are about to change permanently. There is a new bill here known as the “Renters’ Rights Bill,” which will give renters new rights and, therefore, new obligations to landlords. The  Real Estate Agent London is here to clarify the significant impact the act can have on tenancies.

What is the Renters’ Rights Bill 2025?

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a comprehensive legislative piece that reforms the private rental market in England, giving tenants greater security, fairness and quality rights in their homes. It introduces the new statutory framework, replacing many of the flexible mechanisms that landlords have traditionally relied on. The government has suggested those reforms that are purely central to balance the relationship between the landlord and tenants. 

Journey from Bill to Renters’ Rights Act 2025

The new Renters Bill has a long journey from its initial suggestion to becoming law.

•  The concept to reform the Renters Rights Act was originally proposed in 2019 by Conservatives and again resurrected by Labour in 2023.
• On July 27, 2024, the renters ‘ rights bill was first announced during the speech of the King following the general elections. The King emphasised giving the greater rights and protections to the renters.
• The bill was a manifesto promise made during the election campaigns of Labour in 2024, where they committed to abolishing the Section 21 no-fault eviction notice immediately.
•  The Renters’ Rights bill received Royal assent and became the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 on October 27.

What Does The Renters’ Rights Bill Bring?

The private rental inevitably needed reforms. The Renters’ Right Bill brings changes after almost 30 years of government failure to protect tenants and provide stability to the landlords who are competitively good. The following are the major changes introduced by the Rights Bill:

1. End of Section 21 Notice

Countless families in England face daily uncertainties, knowing they could be evicted from their homes anytime without prior notice. But after the Renters’ Rights Bill, the Section 21 notice, also known as the No-Fault Eviction Notice, will be banned.  Landlords will no longer be allowed to evict tenants unless they can prove a legitimate reason.

Major Reasons for Eviction of Tenants

The eviction notice after this reform will require a legitimate reason for landlords, such as:

• Serious Rent Arrears
• Criminal or illegal activities on the property by tenants.
• Wanting to sell the property with actual evidence.
• Or the landlord themselves move into the property.

The guaranteed rent scheme will protect the landlords and provide continuity, covering missing rent payments, during the lengthy proceedings regarding possession. 

2. Fixed-term Tenancies Ended 

The Renters’ Right Bill has ended the fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs), making them periodic. All the residents will have periodic tenancies rolling month to month or week to week. The tenants can end tenancy by a two-month notice, and they are not typically locked in for 6 to 12 months as before. These reforms provide tenants a flexibility and freedom to move if they need to move for family or better jobs.

3. Rent Increase Changes

Right now, landlords can try to raise the rent at the end of each fixed-term tenancy and if you don’t like you can leave. Under the new rules laid out in this bill:

• Landlords can only increase their rent once a year.
• They must give 2 months’ written notice (Section 13 Notice) for a rent increase.
• The landlord cannot increase the rent above the market value. 

Important Note: If you find this rent unfair or above the market rate, you can challenge it through a tribunal. The tribunal can reduce the rent if it finds it unfair.

4. Landlord Ombudsman Scheme

According to the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, landlords must join a new Ombudsman Scheme legally. It will ensure a fair, impartial and transparent resolution for tenants’ complaints about the landlords. For example, if you are a renter and have a complaint about repairs, illegal fees, or a landlord harassing you, there is no need to go to court now. The Ombudsman can provide:

• A free independent resolution
• Compensation if the landlord broke the rules.
• A legally binding decision that the landlord must follow.

Important Note: If landlords do not join this scheme, they will face penalties and bans from operating legally. 

5. Discrimination Banned

The Renters’ Rights Bill introduced new regulations following discrimination against tenants and their families receiving benefits. The existing rules prevent landlords and letting companies from discriminating directly or indirectly based on the following characteristics:

• Disability
• Gender ressignment
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race, Religion or Belief
• Gender and Sex Orientations

In addition to these rules, the act bans discrimination against tenants with children under 18 and tenants in receipt of benefits.  

6. Right For Pets Enhanced

Landlords will no longer be able to refuse tenants’ requests to have pets. Tenants have the right to ask permission for pets, and the landlord must respond within 28 days. They must have a valid reason to refuse the pets. Tenants can challenge the refusal, which may involve the Ombudsman or court. 

7. Enhanced Possession Grounds 

The renters’ rights bill introduced fair possession grounds that provide tenants with security. This act expands possession rights of Section 8 while ensuring that tenants are not evicted and given much time to find a new home. The landlords need to provide reasonable evidence, and the court must prove the eviction when the ground is met.

Landlords may also seek possession using section 8 grounds, where a list of circumstances is defined in law, for example, due to rent arrears, or they can show the evidence that they have instructed the tenant to vacate the house for selling purposes.

8. End of Rental Bidding

The renter’s rights bill ended the unfair practice of the rental bidding process. After the act comes into effect, the letting agents and landlords will have to publish an asking rent for their homes. They will also be prohibited from asking for the rent more than this price. This approach will end the exploitation of tenants by the minority of immoral landlords across England.

9. Awaabs Law Extension

Awaab’s law is named after a 2-year-old Awaab Ishak, who fell into tragic death due to prolonged exposure to the mould in their rental property. According to this law, no one should be forced to live in an unsafe house. It was specifically introduced for social housing, came into force on 27 October 2025.

The Renters’ Rights Act has now extended the Awaabs law to privately rented homes. This step will encourage challenging the life-threatening conditions. The landlord must take action to make the home safety inevitable. 

When Will these Changes Come into Effect?

These changes will come into force on 1st May 2026. And from late 2026, more actions will roll out.

Renters’ Rights Bill Implementation Plan 

Even if the law is implemented in May 2026, there is a long-term improvement plan assured by the government for the future betterment of the private rental sector:

Conclusion

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a landmark in England’s private rental sector, fundamentally reshaping the relationship between landlords and tenants after decades of calls for reform. The abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions, the transformation of all tenancies into periodic, and enhanced protections against discrimination and unsafe living conditions.

Understanding your rights and obligations under the new framework is essential for ensuring compliance and protecting your interests in England’s evolving rental landscape.

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