The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: What Landlords & Tenants Need to Know 🏡
Introduction
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents the biggest reform to the private rented sector in England for a generation.
Designed to improve tenant security while professionalising the rental market, the Act introduces significant changes that every landlord and tenant must understand.
At Element Properties & Co, we help landlords stay compliant, protect their investments, and adapt confidently to regulatory change.
What Is the Renters’ Rights Act 2025?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent in 2025 and is being introduced in phases, with the first phase taking effect in May 2026. It replaces the previous Renters’ Reform proposals and aims to create a fairer, safer, and more transparent rental system.
Its core focus is to improve security for tenants while ensuring good landlords are supported and poor practices are removed from the sector.
Key Changes Every Landlord Must Know ⚖️
1. Abolition of Section 21 (“No-Fault” Evictions)
Section 21 has been abolished, meaning landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid legal reason.
Instead, landlords must now rely on strengthened Section 8 grounds, including:
- Rent arrears
- Anti-social behaviour
- Landlord selling the property
- Landlord or family moving back in
These grounds have been clarified and strengthened to ensure legitimate possession remains possible.
2. All Tenancies Are Now Periodic 📄
Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies have been replaced by a single system of rolling periodic tenancies, known as Assured Periodic Tenancies.
This means:
- Tenants can leave with two months’ notice
- Landlords must use valid Section 8 grounds to regain possession
This increases tenant flexibility while placing greater emphasis on professional tenancy management.
3. Rent Increases Limited to Once Per Year 💷
Rent increases are now restricted to once per year and must be served using a formal Section 13 notice (Form 4A).
Tenants retain the right to challenge unfair increases through the First-tier Tribunal if the proposed rent exceeds market value.
4. Stronger Rules on Property Standards 🛠️
All rental properties must meet the Decent Homes Standard, bringing the private rented sector closer to social housing requirements.
This includes:
- Homes free from serious hazards
- Safe electrics, heating, and insulation
- Reasonable repair and maintenance standards
Landlords who fail to maintain properties may face enforcement action.
5. New Private Rented Sector Ombudsman 🧾
All private landlords are required to join a mandatory Ombudsman scheme as it is rolled out under the Act.
This provides tenants with a clear route to resolve disputes without immediately resorting to court proceedings.
6. National Landlord Database 📊
A new Private Rented Sector Database is being introduced to improve transparency and enforcement, helping councils identify repeat offenders while supporting compliant landlords.
7. Pets: A Default Right (With Conditions) 🐾
Tenants now have a strengthened right to request a pet. Landlords may only refuse with a valid reason.
Landlords are permitted to require pet insurance to cover potential damage.
What This Means for Landlords
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 marks a clear shift toward a more professional, well-managed private rented sector.
- Compliance is no longer optional
- Documentation and record-keeping are critical
- Proactive property management protects long-term returns
Well-run portfolios will continue to perform strongly — particularly in high-demand areas like North and East London.
How Element Supports Landlords Through the Changes 🤝
At Element Properties & Co, we help landlords stay compliant and profitable by offering:
- Full property management aligned with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025
- Rent reviews based on evidence and market data
- Compliance audits and documentation management
- Professional handling of possession and dispute processes
Our systems, local knowledge, and proactive approach mean landlords are prepared — not reacting.
Is the Renters’ Rights Act a Bad Thing?
For responsible landlords, the answer is no.
The Act is designed to remove poor practices, not good landlords. Those who operate transparently, maintain properties properly, and communicate clearly with tenants are well positioned for the future.
Need Advice on Letting Under the New Rules?
If you’re a landlord in North or East London and want to understand how the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 affects your property, we’re here to help.