Key Information for Landlords: Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025

The Renters Rights Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, marks the most significant overhaul of England’s private rental sector in decades. As a solicitor working closely with landlords, there has already been much concern and confusion regarding this legislation. This post looks to clarify the main changes being implemented and what landlords can be doing now to prepare for the Act’s implementation.

Key Changes Landlords Must Understand

1. Abolition of Section 21 ‘No-Fault’ Evictions
   Landlords can no longer evict tenants without cause. Instead, they must rely on updated Section 8 grounds, which require evidence.
2. Shift to Periodic Tenancies
   All new and existing tenancies will convert to Assured Periodic Tenancies (APT). Fixed term agreements will no longer exist. Tenants can leave with two months’ notice (unless otherwise agreed), while landlords must wait 12 months before seeking possession unless there’s a breach.
3. Rent Controls and Review Limits
   Rent increases are capped to once per year and must reflect market rates. Tenants can challenge excessive increases at the First Tier Tribunal. “Bidding wars” are banned and landlords must advertise a fixed rent and cannot accept offers above it.
4. New Compliance Requirements
   Landlords must register with the Private Rented Sector Database and join a Redress Scheme. These systems will be phased in during 2026.
5. Pets, Benefits, and Discrimination
   Blanket bans on pets or tenants receiving benefits will be unlawful. Landlords must consider pet requests reasonably and cannot discriminate against families or benefit recipients.
6. Decent Homes Standard & Awaab’s Law
   For the first time, private landlords must meet the Decent Homes Standard and comply with Awaab’s Law, which mandates timely repairs for serious hazards.

What You Should Be Doing Now

1. Review and Update Tenancy Agreements
   Remove outdated clauses referencing Section 21, fixed terms, or automatic renewals. Ensure rent clauses comply with the new annual review limits and deposit terms are capped at five weeks’ rent.
2. Prepare for Compliance Systems
   Start gathering all relevant tenancy documentation for registration with the PRS Database and Redress Scheme. Ensure your advertising practices meet the new standards.
3. Inspect Your Properties
   Address any hazards now – especially damp, mould, or electrical safety issues. These will be subject to stricter enforcement under the new law.
4. Train and Educate Yourself
   The NRLA and other bodies are offering webinars and resources. There are a lot of complicated changes and so it is important you take your duty as a landlord seriously and educate yourself on your new responsibilities.
5. Communicate with Tenants
   Be transparent about any changes and update tenants on how you’re meeting your new responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

The Renters’ Rights Act is a massive legal shift and there are serious penalties for noncompliance. Landlords who embrace the changes early will be better positioned to thrive in a more regulated, tenant-focused market. The NRLA puts it quite simply, “compliance isn’t optional, and the cost of getting it wrong is huge”.

During the transitional period, we will be offering tailored 1-1 sessions whereby you can learn all about how the Renters’ Rights Act will affect you for a fixed fee of £250 + VAT.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us by contacting Litigation@barwells.com or calling 01323 875050