The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: A New Era of Opportunity for Landlords

What is the Renters’ Rights Act 2025?

The Renters’ Rights Act represents one of the biggest reforms to the private rented sector in England in decades. From 1 May 2026, the way tenancies are created, managed and ended has changed. The focus is now on stronger tenant protections, clearer rules for landlords, and a more professional and transparent rental market.

What changed from 1 May 2026

Section 21 has ended

Landlords can no longer use Section 21 “no-fault” evictions for private rented sector tenancies covered by the new rules. If possession is needed, landlords must use a valid legal ground. This means tenancy management, documentation and compliance are more important than ever.

Tenancies are now periodic

Assured shorthold tenancies have moved to a periodic model under the new framework. Instead of relying on fixed-term tenancy structures in the same way as before, tenancies now continue until the tenant leaves or the landlord regains possession using a valid legal ground.

Rent increase rules are tighter

The Act has introduced a more controlled approach to rent increases. Landlords need to follow the correct legal process, and the rules are intended to make rent rises fairer and more transparent for tenants. The reforms also stop rent bidding practices.

Stronger protections for tenants

The new framework includes stronger protections for households with children and for people receiving benefits. It also gives tenants the right to request a pet, with landlords expected to consider requests reasonably.

New information requirements

Landlords and letting agents must now provide tenants with the official Renters’ Rights Act information sheet. This forms part of the new legal duties introduced alongside the reforms.

What this means for landlords

For landlords, the Renters’ Rights Act creates a more regulated environment, but also encourages longer-term, well-managed tenancies. A strong compliance process, good communication, proactive property management and timely maintenance now matter even more. Landlords who stay informed and take a professional approach will be in a stronger position to manage their properties successfully under the new rules. 

What is still to come?

Not everything in the Act starts on 1 May 2026. 

The government’s ‘Register your rental property’ service will launch on 15 December 2026 as the first stage of the new Private Rented Sector Database.

The service will roll out region by region across England, beginning in the West Midlands. Landlords of assured or regulated tenancies will generally need to register themselves and each property that is already let, or becomes occupied during the rollout. Once registration becomes compulsory in a region, landlords will have three months to complete it.

A public-facing service is also planned, allowing tenants to check whether a landlord or property is registered and complies with key legal requirements. The Landlord Ombudsman, Awaab’s Law and a modernised Decent Homes Standard will be introduced separately, with further implementation details still to be confirmed.