The Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent on October 27 2025 and aims to make the private rented sector fairer for both tenants and landlords.
While the act’s operative provisions are not yet in force, the Government have published a “roadmap” setting out the timeline for implementation, with some initial provisions being effective from December 27 2025 and the first phase of measures, including the abolition of Assured Shorthold Tenancies for the private rented sector, coming into force on May 1 this year.
Sarah Barratt, partner in the real estate dispute resolution team at Muckle LLP, provides a whistle-stop tour of what the new act will do:
- All tenancies will become periodic tenancies with terms not exceeding 1 month
- Assured Shorthold Tenancies will be abolished, and with it the ability to use the s21 notice (although there will be transitional provisions protecting you if you have served a s21 notice, or commenced possession proceedings based on a s21 notice before the commencement date of these provisions)
- Some tenancies will not be assured tenancies from 27 December 2025, including terms of more than 21 years and fixed term tenancies of 7 – 21 years granted before 27 December 2025, or pursuant to a contract entered into before that date
- The right to request consent to have a pet, which the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse
- Introducing several new grounds for possession to fill the gap left by the abolition of s21
- Increasing some notice periods – some notice periods will be 4 months
- Increasing the level of rent arrears required to satisfy the mandatory ground 8
- Requiring notice to be given to increase the rent, and for the tenant to be able to ask the FTT to determine the market rent
- Preventing discrimination against potential tenants with children and those who claim benefits
- Rent bidding is prohibited
- Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard will be extended to the private rented sector
- Provisions for a Landlord’s Redress Scheme and Private Rented Sector Database are included
- The creation of various new offences related to the letting of property
- New investigatory powers are given to local authorities, enabling them to enter properties and inspect and seize documents
- Prohibition on advance rental payments for new tenancies
- Written statements of terms will be required
- Longer notice periods for notices to quit given by tenants
- Tenancy deposit requirements must be complied with before a possession order can be obtained
Want to stay informed about the Renters’ Rights Act?
With several areas to consider, from the abolition of Assured Shorthold Tenancies to the prevention of discrimination against potential tenants with children and those claiming benefits, tenants and landlords must be aware of their rights before the provisions take effect.
For more information, please contact Sarah Barratt via [email protected] or 0191 211 7923.
