The Renters’ Rights Bill has received Royal Assent from King Charles and has become law, an announcement in parliament is due any moment to reveal the timetable for its roll out and here are the implications:
Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – Key Points for Landlords and Hudson Moody
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (formerly the Renters’ Rights Bill) introduces one of the most significant changes to the private rented sector in decades. It aims to create a fairer and more transparent system for tenants while raising standards across the sector.
Key Changes to Tenancies and Tenant Rights
The Act abolishes “no-fault” evictions under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. Landlords will now need to rely on specific grounds for possession.
Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies will be phased out and replaced by open-ended periodic tenancies that run on a monthly basis.
Tenants will have the right to end their tenancy with two months’ notice rather than being tied into a fixed term, providing them with greater flexibility.
Changes to Rent, Payments and Pets
Landlords will be able to increase rent only once a year and must follow a clear statutory process, such as serving a revised Section 13 notice.
The Act limits the amount of rent that can be taken in advance. Landlords or agents cannot request or accept large sums beyond one month’s rent unless permitted by law.
Tenants will gain a formal right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords will need to consider such requests reasonably and cannot apply a blanket refusal to all pets.
Regulation, Enforcement and Standards
The Act introduces stronger regulation and oversight. A national Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will be established to handle disputes, and all landlords will be required to register their properties on a national database.
Private rented homes will need to meet a Decent Homes Standard, with specific obligations to address issues such as damp, mould and safety hazards.
Local authorities will gain new enforcement powers, including the ability to investigate and act against non-compliance.
Implications for Landlords
These changes will mean less flexibility for landlords compared with the current system. Possession rights will be more restricted and must comply fully with the new legal framework.
Landlords will need to review all tenancy agreements, rent review processes and pet policies to ensure compliance once the Act comes into force.
There may also be additional administrative and financial responsibilities, including joining new registers and meeting higher property standards. Some landlords may wish to reconsider their investment strategies as a result.
Timing and Next Steps
Although the Act has received Royal Assent, most of its measures will be implemented in stages through secondary legislation. The main provisions are expected to come into force in spring 2026.
We at Hudson Moody are preparing now by reviewing tenancy documentation, checking compliance procedures and updating our staff training. If you would like to discuss this further get in touch with our lettings team.