Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025)

The 27th October 2025 marked the day that the Renters' Rights Bill received Royal Assent and became the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025).  

Over the next few days, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will be published in full, along with timeframes and guidance.

As a reminder, the key elements of the Renters' Rights Act are:

• Abolish fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs).  As a result of this, all tenancies, current and newly agreed, will become periodic.
• Limit rent increases. The shift to periodic tenancies means Section 13 notices will be the only way for landlords to raise the rent; these can only be served once every 12 months.
• Abolish Section 21 notices. Landlords will no longer be able to serve “no-fault” notices to regain possession of their properties.
• Expanded possession grounds on a Section 8 notice. The Government is adding and updating both mandatory and discretionary grounds to the existing Section 8 notices, due to the abolition of a Section 21 notice. You can read more on these here. 
• Ban rental bidding wars. Bidding over the rental asking price will no longer be allowed when the Bill becomes effective.
• Introduce a landlord ombudsman. Offering a fair and impartial resolution service to settle disputes without the need for court involvement.  
• Create a private rented sector database.  A new digital PRS database will provide visibility on who landlords are and any historical banning orders they've received, so tenants can make more informed choices.
• Apply the Decent Homes Standard (Awaab’s Law).  It means landlords must follow strict timescales to inspect and repair hazards, such as damp and mould.
• Prohibit discrimination. Landlords can’t refuse tenants on benefits or with children under certain conditions.
• Pets allowed within the tenancy agreement.  Tenants will be able to request a pet both before and during a tenancy and landlords can't unreasonably refuse their request.

And now it’s up to the government to prove that it works for renters and landlords alike, say the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). Chief executive Ben Beadle says:

“This is the most significant shake-up of the rental market in almost 40 years, and it is imperative that the new systems work for both tenants and responsible landlords. The NRLA stands ready to work with the Government to ensure the reforms are implemented in a way that is fair, proportionate and deliverable.”

The implementation dates for specific measures have yet to be announced; it is thought that the majority might come into effect at different points during 2026.

As ever, we will continue to keep you updated.  Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Source:
Letting Agent Today
The Negotiator 

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash