The Renters Rights Act 2025 was granted Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, though its provisions concerning the Private Rented Sector have not yet taken effect. Landlords and tenants are advised to review their legal status in anticipation of the forthcoming changes.
The Renters Rights Act 2025 introduces several reforms to existing laws regulating the Private Rented Sector, particularly Assured and Assured Shorthold tenancies under the Housing Act 1988. The Act consists of 149 sections divided between 5 parts and 6 Schedules. Below is a brief summary of the main impact on Landlords and Tenants:
Fixed term Assured and Assured Shorthold tenancies will be abolished. Tenancies will now be periodic with rent periods not exceeding 1 month. Tenants will be able to end their relevant tenancy by giving 2 months’ notice. At the same time, Landlords will no longer be able to serve s.21 notices to evict their tenants, as this is also abolished by the Renters Rights Act 2025. Landlords will only be able to seek possession orders under statutory grounds for Assured Tenancies under Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 (as amended by the Renters Rights Act).
Separately, Landlords will now face restrictions on rent being paid in advance, prohibitions on rental bidding, an amended statutory procedure to govern rent increases, a new Landlord Redress Scheme to resolve complaints with tenants, and a new National Database will be created of Landlords and rented properties. Landlords will be required to register themselves and their rented properties in the newly established National Database.
Additional measures being introduced will seek to align obligations for housing conditions in the Private Rented Sector with the Decent Homes Standard (currently applicable to social housing).
Local authorities will be given further and new enforcement powers to ensure compliance with the various provisions of the Renters Rights Act 2025.
The Renters Rights Act 2025 changes are expected to take effect early next year. This still gives Landlords and Tenants time to review their legal positions and take action under the existing Law if so required. The solicitors at Solomon Taylor & Shaw LLP are available to help both Landlords and Tenants who are uncertain as to what action or advice may be required as a result of the Renters Rights Act 2025.