Renters' Right Act 2025

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – What Landlords Need to Know

• All Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will become assured periodic tenancies
• Tenancies will run on a rolling basis (e.g. monthly) with no fixed end date
• Existing agreements don’t need replacing, but landlords must provide a new government information notice
  • Note: This does not yet exist in final form
  • It will replace the current ‘How to Rent’ guide
  • It will be a mandatory, standardised, information document that landlords must give to tenants to explain their rights under the Renters’ Rights Act

• Rent cannot be taken before a tenancy agreement is signed
• Landlords can no longer refuse tenants because they receive benefits or have children
• Tenants can request to keep a pet, which can only be refused with a valid reason
• Properties must be marketed with a clear asking rent
• Bidding wars and rent offers above the advertised price will be illegal

• Rent can only be increased once per year
• A formal Section 13 (Form 4A) notice must be used, with at least 2 months’ notice
• Tenants can challenge rent increases that exceed market value

• Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a reason
• Evictions must use Section 8, relying on specific legal grounds
• Notice periods are longer in many cases (often 4 months)
• Courts will only grant possession if all legal requirements (including deposit protection) are met

• You cannot evict within the first 12 months to sell or move into the property
• Student landlords may use a new student possession ground, with conditions

• Mandatory eviction for rent arrears now requires 3 months’ unpaid rent
• Serious antisocial behaviour allows for faster action and shorter notice periods

• Local councils gain increased investigation and enforcement powers
• Tenants (and councils) can apply for Rent Repayment Orders
• Maximum penalties increase to up to 2 years’ rent

• Fully compliant tenancy agreements and notices
• Correct rent increase and possession processes
• Robust tenant referencing and ongoing management
• Expert guidance to protect your investment

• A mandatory Private Rented Sector Ombudsman for all landlords
• A new national Property Portal requiring proof of compliance
• Extension of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector
• New repair timeframes for damp and mould under Awaab’s Law
• Phased implementation dates and transitional arrangements