The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 receives Royal Assent: What landlords need to know

The Renters’ Rights Bill officially received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, becoming the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

The Renters’ Rights Act is the biggest reform of England’s private rental sector in nearly 40 years, with three million landlords affected. The legislation introduces new compliance requirements, operational changes and strategic considerations that landlords must prepare for.

Section 21 notices abolished

One of the most transformative aspects of the act is the abolition of Section 21 notices, often referred to as ‘no-fault’ evictions. This means that landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason in an effort to reduce housing instability and to provide tenants with greater housing security.

In its place, the act strengthens and clarifies the grounds for repossessing a property, to ensure that landlords are able to recover possession for legitimate reasons.

Decent Homes Standard

The Decent Homes Standard has now been expanded to cover the private rented sector, whereas previously it was only applicable to social housing. All privately rented properties, therefore, must now meet minimum standards for safety, repair, and habitability. Local authorities will be empowered to enforce these standards, and landlords will be required to make necessary improvements or face penalties.

This means that ensuring properties are maintained will become a key criterion for compliant landlords.

Discrimination & rent reviews

In addition, the act aims to prevent discrimination by prohibiting blanket bans against tenants who receive benefits or have children. This will help all applicants to be assessed fairly by landlords.

Rent increases are now limited to once per year and must be in line with market rates, reducing the scope for rapid rent adjustments. The act also prohibits bidding wars between prospective tenants, helping to standardise the application process. Landlords will need to update their advertising and screening practices to ensure compliance.

New protections

Up-front payments are now capped at one month’s rent, which may affect cash flow planning for landlords. The introduction of a Private Renters Sector Ombudsman provides tenants with a formal dispute resolution channel – potentially reducing court involvement, but it will likely increase scrutiny for landlords. Landlords should prepare for more structured complaint handling and maintain thorough records of tenant interactions.

Compliance obligations

For landlords and letting agents, the act introduces a range of new compliance obligations. Tenancy agreements will need to be updated to reflect the end of fixed-term contracts. The legislation also requires landlords to be more transparent in their dealings with tenants and to prepare for greater scrutiny from regulators and local authorities. These changes may require investment in training, legal advice, and property upgrades. Portfolio reviews and compliance checks are recommended to mitigate this risk.

Implementation

Implementation of the act will be phased in, with secondary legislation and guidance expected in the coming months. Landlords should stay informed of these changes and work with legal advisors to navigate the transition.

Key actions for landlords and estate agents include updating tenancy documentation, budgeting for property improvements and training staff on the new legal framework.

Conclusion

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is anticipated to shape the rental market, placing new responsibilities on landlords while aiming to create a fairer system. Landlords who make efforts to adapt early, by investing in compliance, improving property standards, and refining tenant relations, will be well-equipped to navigate the changing rental landscape.

If you are a landlord concerned about these changes or need assistance with recovering possession of your property, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of experienced landlord and tenant property experts.

Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the new regulations and ensure you are properly prepared.

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