FAQs: Renters' Rights Act 2025

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is a major reform of private renting in England, designed to make renting fairer and more secure for tenants, while providing clarity for landlords. It abolishes 'no fault' evictions, introduces periodic tenancies, and strengthens enforcement powers.

The Bill received Royal Assent in October 2025 and is now law.

• 27 December 2025: Council investigatory powers are active
• From 1 May 2026: Tenancy reforms, such as end of Section 21, periodic tenancies, and rent rules
• Expected late 2026: Private Rent Sector Database and Landlord Ombudsman
• Timings to be confirmed: Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law for Private Rent Sector

Currently, the Act applies to England only. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate housing legislation.

The Act confirms that all current Assured Shorthold Tenancies will become Assured Periodic Tenancies. In practical terms, this means that any end date in the agreement would no longer be valid.

Instead, the tenancy will run until either the landlord or tenant brings the tenancy to an end under the provisions of the Act.

For an existing written tenancy, landlords must provide tenants with a Government-produced information sheet which explains the changes the Renters' Rights Act will introduce.

For tenancies beginning on or after 1 May 2026, landlords will need to serve all tenants with a written statement setting out key terms of the tenancy.

A Gas Safety certificate, EPC (rating E or above), 'How to Rent' leaflet, and deposit protection information must still be provided to tenants alongside the new written statement following implementation of the Renters' Rights Act.

No. Section 21 'no fault' evictions are abolished. A landlord must rely on a specific legal ground and follow the correct legal process, including giving you proper notice.

What happens if a Section 21 notice has already been served?

A valid Section 21 notice can be served up until 30 April 2026.

Possession proceedings must be started by 31 July 2026.

How long will it take for a landlord to evict a tenant?

This depends on the ground relied upon. Notice periods range from weeks to months, with four months' notice required where the landlord intends to sell or move back into the property. Tenants will have the opportunity to defend the case in court.

Rent can only be increased once per year, with at least two months' notice, using the statutory Section 13 process.

Can a landlord propose an excessive rent increase?

Tenants can challenge the increase at the First-tier Tribunal if it exceeds market rent. The increase will not take effect until the tribunal has made its decision. The tribunal cannot increase the rent beyond the amount proposed by the landlord.

No. From 1 May 2026, landlords may request only one month's rent in advance, and only during the permitted pre-tenancy period. Any clause requiring more than this cannot be enforced.

No. Landlords and agents must advertise a set rent and cannot accept offers above it.

You have the right to request a pet, and your landlord must reasonably consider the request. They cannot charge pet fees, pet deposits or require pet insurance, but may charge a higher rent where pets are permitted. Refusals may be appealable to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman once introduced.

No. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to applicants solely because they receive benefits. Decisions must be based on objective criteria such as affordability or credit history.

That is unlawful under the Act. Decisions must be based on objective criteria such as affordability or suitability of the accommodation.

Depending on the issue, you can complain to North Norfolk District Council, the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman (once introduced), the First-tier Tribunal, or the courts.

You may challenge unlawful actions, apply for rent repayment orders, defend possession proceedings, report the landlord to North Norfolk District Council for enforcement action, and exercise your rights without fear of retaliation.

Councils can request documents, inspect premises, and in defined cases, enter properties with a warrant. Penalties for non-compliance have increased.

A new service will be launching in late 2026 to resolve disputes without going to court.