Renters Rights Act 2025
Renters Rights Act 2025
Dates Announced for the Start of the Renters Rights Act 2025 Changes.
The government has announced more information about when the Renters Rights Act 2025 will be in force.
The first key date for landlords is 1 May 2026 when the Act will:
“a. abolish section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
landlords in the PRS will no longer be able to use section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 to evict their tenants.
b. introduce Assured Periodic Tenancies in the private rented sector (PRS)
the vast majority of new tenancies and existing tenancies in the PRS will become Assured Periodic Tenancies. This means tenants will be able to stay in their property for as long as they want, or until a landlord serves a valid section 8 notice. Tenants will be able to end their tenancy by giving two months’ notice.
c. reform possession grounds in the PRS so they are fair for both parties
landlords will only be able to evict tenants when they have a valid reason. Possession grounds will be extended to make it easier for landlords to evict tenants who commit anti-social behaviour, or who are in serious persistent rent arrears.
d. limit rent increases to once a year in the PRS
landlords will have to follow the revised section 13 procedure and provide the tenant with a notice detailing the proposed rent increase at least 2 months before it is due to take effect.
e. ban rental bidding and rent in advance
landlords and letting agents will not be able to ask for, encourage, or accept an offer that is higher than the advertised rent. Landlords and agents will also not be able to request more than 1 month’s rent in advance.
f. make it illegal to discriminate against renters who have children or receive benefits
landlords and letting agents will not be able to do anything to make a tenant less likely to rent a property (or prevent them from renting it) because they have children or receive benefits. This includes withholding information about a property (including its availability), stopping someone from viewing it, or refusing to grant a tenancy.
g. require landlords in the PRS to consider tenant requests to rent with a pet
landlords will have an initial 28 days to consider their tenant’s request, and they will have to provide valid reasons if they refuse it.
h. strengthen both local council enforcement and rent repayment orders
civil penalties will be expanded, and there will be a new requirement for local councils to report on enforcement activity. Rent repayment orders will be extended to superior landlords, the maximum penalty will be doubled, and repeat offenders required to pay the maximum amount.”
Renter Right Act 2025 Government Roadmap
Further changes will be brought in later in 2026.
Landlords should review their tenancies now to address any issues before 1 May 2026 as the new rules will change and limit the options landlords have.
If you are a landlord or tenant and require legal advice please do contact a member of our dispute resolution team at:-
Kerseys Solicitors in Ipswich at [email protected] or telephone 01473 213311 or
Kerseys Solicitors in Felixstowe at [email protected] on 01394 834557 or
Kerseys Solicitors in Woodbridge at [email protected] on 01394 813732 or
Kerseys Solicitors in Colchester at [email protected] on 01206 584584 or visit our web site.
