The Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 and is now law, giving tenants stronger protections and clearer rights, while setting new standards for landlords.
You can find out more on the GOV.UK website.
The changes will not take effect until 2026 and will most likely be introduced gradually, giving tenants, landlords and councils time to prepare.
Changes in the law include:
- abolishment of section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
- fairer rent reviews
- a limit to advance rent payments
- an end to rental bidding wars
- prohibition on discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children
- a right to request pets, which cannot be unreasonably denied by a landlord
The act will give councils further enforcement powers and increased penalties to help ensure that properties are kept in a hazard-free condition and that all tenants are given a proper written agreement.
A landlord database and a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will also be launched to help address disputes between tenants and landlords without the need to go to court.
Shelter has produced a summary of the act and what's changing on their website.
Landlords, letting agents and housing providers can complete a Renters' Rights Bill online training course.