The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 - A Guidance for Members Pt.1

What It Means for Tenants and Landlords in England

A Guidance for Members (Part 1)

Given the recent media coverage on landlord licensing and tenancy issues, we are providing an update for our members who rent accommodation on the latest legislation.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 27 October, marks the biggest overhaul of England’s private rented sector in decades. It aims to rebalance the relationship between England’s 11 million renters and 2.3 million landlords — though much depends on how effectively these changes are implemented over the next year.

Key Changes for Renters

The most significant reform is the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions and the end of fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs). All new and existing tenancies will convert into open-ended “assured periodic tenancies.”

This means tenants can leave with two months’ notice, while landlords must cite one of a range of statutory grounds to regain possession. Renters also gain new rights to:

• Challenge excessive rent increases through tribunals.
• Request to keep pets (consent cannot be unreasonably refused).
• Be protected from discrimination based on benefits or children.

The Act extends the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private sector, requiring landlords to fix serious hazards promptly.

New Requirements for Landlords

For landlords, the reforms bring significant compliance duties. A new Private Rented Sector Database will require the registration of every landlord and property before marketing or letting. Membership of a new ombudsman scheme will become mandatory, with powers to issue binding rulings and compensation orders.

Legitimate evictions — such as those for selling a property, anti-social behaviour, or serious arrears — must now proceed through the revised Section 8 process, expected to be slower and more complex due to ongoing court delays.

Rent bidding wars and advance demands of more than one month’s rent will be banned. Penalties for non-compliance may reach £40,000.

Summary of the Impact

For renters: This Act promises long-sought security and fairness.

For landlords: It increases accountability but adds bureaucracy and uncertainty over possession procedures and rent setting.

The balance of power has shifted slightly, but how smoothly it works will depend on the details of forthcoming regulations and the efficiency of the courts once the new system takes effect — likely in 2026.

What It Means for Working People

This Act won’t solve the housing crisis alone. Rent controls, social housing expansion, and faster court reforms are still urgently needed. However, it represents a step toward greater security and dignity for millions of renters.

The challenge now is ensuring these new rights are enforced and not watered down in practice.

Quick Guidance: What the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Changes

• Ends “no-fault” evictions: Landlords can no longer evict tenants under Section 21 without valid reason.
• No more fixed-term contracts: All tenancies become open-ended, offering renters more stability.
• Fairer rent rules: Rent increases must follow clear procedures and can be challenged at tribunal.
• Rights to keep pets: Landlords must not unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet.
• Decent Homes Standard for private renters: Private homes must meet the same repair and safety standards as social housing.
• National landlord register and ombudsman: All landlords must register their properties and join a scheme with binding powers.
• Stronger penalties for bad practice: Breaches can lead to fines up to £40,000 and potential banning orders.

In Part 2 of The Renters’ Rights Act 2025, we’ll explore further details of the Renters (Reform) Bill, including the Decent Homes Standard, Awaab’s Law, the new tenancy system, and how the revised Section 8 process affects landlords and tenants alike.

Workers of England Union (WEU)
Supporting Fair Housing, Fair Work, and Fair Rights.