With the Renters’ Right Act receiving Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, the legislation is set to bring some of the biggest changes to the private rental sector in decades.
With its plans to create a fairer rental market, the new rules will have a major impact on how landlords manage their properties.
The act represents a change in the balance between tenant protection and landlord flexibility.
While it introduces more regulation, it also provides an opportunity for landlords to build stronger, long-term tenant relationships.
Here’s how you can protect your property and prepare for the new act.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
The Renters’ Rights Act, effective from spring 2026, will transform the way landlords operate and how rent is reviewed, and possession is regained.
The leading change in the act is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, which will end the long-standing ability for landlords to remove tenants without reason.
Under the new laws, a tenant will be protected from eviction for 12 months if they do not break their tenancy agreement.
As well as this, fixed tenancies will soon be replaced with periodic agreements, which means there is no set end date.
Tenants will have greater security and if they choose to leave, they only have to give a two-month notice, whilst landlords must follow stricter legal procedures to regain possession.
For landlords, this means rethinking tenancy management and notice strategies is essential for stability.
What are the new rules on rent increases?
The Act has introduced new restrictions on rent increases, which now limit them to once per year under the Section 13 notice.
As rent rises must reflect market rates, this makes it important for landlords to maintain accurate market data and clear records to justify any adjustments to rent.
Property condition is also coming under scrutiny as the Decent Homes Standard will apply to private rentals for the first time and homes must meet safety and living condition requirements.
The new act is set to introduce Awaab’s Law for private landlords, in which they will face strict deadlines of 14 days to investigate, seven days to fix and 24 hours to resolve emergency hazards such as damp or mould.
Bans on rent bidding and rejecting tenants because they receive benefits or have children are a noticeable change in the act to limit discriminatory factors.
With landlords having to join a mandatory Ombudsman scheme to ensure accountability, it may be hard to see how the new act can benefit them.
What can landlords do to protect their rights?
With a lot of change approaching in the rental sector, preparation for landlords is key.
Our team can help familiarise you with the imminent changes and latest legislation and review how your tenancy agreement will be affected.
By staying informed and documenting the process carefully, it will not only attract but also retain better tenants in a changing market.
Are you looking for advice on how you can be protected legally with the new Renters’ Right Act? Contact our Commercial Property team today.
