A Major Overhaul of the Private Rental Sector
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, marking a significant change to the private rental sector. It is anticipated that the Act will begin to be implemented in 2026 and will apply retrospectively to existing tenancies. It is therefore more important than ever for landlords and tenants to get to grips with the new legislation.
Key Features of the Renters' Rights Act 2025
The Act presents a comprehensive overhaul of the current private rental system, introducing measures to protect both tenants and landlords. Below are some of the key changes that the Act will introduce:
Abolition of Fixed-Term Assured Shorthold Tenancies
Once the Act has been implemented, all tenancies will be replaced with assured periodic tenancies. This means that for any tenancies that are within a fixed term (6 months, for example) will immediately change to a periodic tenancy.
Abolition of the Section 21 ‘No-Fault’ Procedure
The Act now introduces a revised section 8 procedure, meaning that landlords will have to provide evidence of one of the grounds listed in the Act. The majority of these grounds now require a four-month notice, as opposed to two months.
Rent Increases
The Act will now limit how often landlords can increase the rent to once per year to a market level rent. All rent increases going forward will have to be conducted using the section 13 procedure, meaning that tenants will have the opportunity to challenge any rent increases at the First Tier Tribunal.
Landlord Database and Ombudsman Scheme
Landlords will now be required to register themselves and their property on a new database. There will be a fee payable. A new Ombudsman will also be introduced to provide binding resolutions on tenant complaints.
Pets and Tenancy Rights
Tenants will be provided with a statutory right to request pets, of which landlords will not be able to unreasonably object to.
What These Changes Mean for Landlords and Tenants
It is anticipated that the changes the Act provides, will cause an influx in possession proceedings at Court. Landlords should anticipate that once the Act comes into effect, it is expected that there will be delays to the possession timeline.
This article does not cover all changes brought in by the Act. If you have any concerns or questions about what effect the new Renters Rights Act 2025 may have on you, please get in touch.
Need advice on the Renters’ Rights Act 2025?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes for landlords, managing agents and property owners. If you would like tailored guidance on how the reforms may affect your tenancy agreements or next steps, our Property Law team can help.
Contact us in Dorchester, Bridport, Weymouth or Portland, or call 01305 771 000. A member of the team will come back to you shortly.
